DEI Strategic Planning Process
Led by Vice Provost Carol E. Henderson with support from seven Strategic Planning Communities, the Institutional DEI Strategic Planning Communities’ Report to the President has been completed and shared with President Fenves and Provost Bellamkonda.
Background
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are important values to the Emory community. How we practice these values and interweave them into the very fabric and infrastructure of the Emory enterprise will take vision, community participation, and guidance, and a resolute commitment to actualize this work.
This endeavor has taken a number of iterations at Emory, including the Advisory Council on Community and Diversity, Emory’s Commission on Racial and Social Justice, the Transforming Community Project, and the Committee on Class and Labor.
The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has been a stalwart champion of this work as it is committed to promoting a fair, equitable, and accessible campus environment for the university community through collaboration with its university partners.
In August 2019, Carol E. Henderson became the vice provost for diversity and inclusion, chief diversity officer, and adviser to the president. As Emory’s inaugural chief diversity officer, Henderson has built upon the work already being done, helping Emory to realize its vision for DEI in partnership with campus leaders, key stakeholders, and organizational units.
Part of realizing this vision is to establish common-ground principles and values that guide this work. Institutional definitions for DEI and equity-mindedness were adopted by campus leadership in November 2020, as was an institutional statement for diversity. These concepts, as well Emory’s mission and motto, and a number of other resources, frame the DEI strategic planning process.
In beginning this process, Henderson worked with the Office of the Provost, engaging the provost’s leadership team and Council of Deans, which resulted in the recommendation to begin the process by utilizing existing governance structures.
In January 2021, Henderson shared the charge document with seven Strategic Planning Communities (SPCs).
Download the Complete Charge Document
Strategic Planning Communities
- Tara Bartelt, project manager, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Christine Goode, administrative assistant, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Graduate and Professional Students
Crescent Alcid and Eman Hijab, co-chairs
Amanda Marie James, Graduate School, Ex-officio
Postdoctorates
Jasmine Miller-Kleinhenz and Yamileth Rodriguez, Co-chairs
Amanda Marie James, Graduate School, Ex-officio
Undergraduate Students
Malcolm J. Robinson and Candice M. Williams, Co-chairs
Faculty
Tim Holbrook and Giacomo Negro, Co-chairs
Staff
Sabrina Burnett and Teresa Fosque, Co-chairs
Alumni
Isabel Garcia 99L and Munir Meghjani 08Ox 10C, Co-chairs
Civic and Community Partners
Alan Anderson and Ciannat Howett, Co-chairs
Timeline
January to September 2021
Each SPC met monthly, led by the co-chairs. Henderson served in an ex-officio capacity for each of the communities to ensure continuity and minimize redundancy in efforts.
September 30, 2021
Reports from the seven SPCs due to Henderson.
January 2022
The report was submitted to university leadership.
February 2022
The report was shared with the community for feedback through March 30, 2022.