Outstanding Unit Award for Equity and Diversity

Applicants are asked to respond to the following items:

• Describe the transformational equity and diversity work being done on your campus or in your college/department. This work should demonstrate outstanding leadership in equity and diversity that is collaborative, sustainable, and linked to your unit's stated mission and vision.
• Outline how your unit is measuring and evaluating this work, and how you’ll know these efforts are successful.
• If applicable, describe milestones, successes or measurable outcomes resulting from the work.

In preparing their applications, potential awardees are asked to refer to the Office for Equity and Diversity’s definition of equity and diversity as outlined here:

We employ an expanded definition of diversity, recognizing the importance of ensuring that all members of our community have equitable access to the University and its resources. We center underrepresented populations who face systemic barriers that impact their experiences on campus. Our goal is to reduce or remove barriers for all members of our community.

It is our responsibility as an institution—as part of our commitment to creating a welcoming and affirming climate—to serve and support the following individuals and groups at the University of Minnesota:

• American Indians and other indigenous populations
• People of color, including underrepresented groups and new immigrant populations
• People with both apparent and non-apparent disabilities
• People who identify as women
• People of various gender and sexual identities and expressions
• First-generation students

We also address issues of access and climate for individuals who might encounter barriers based on their religious expression, age, national origin, ethnicity, or veteran status. Furthermore, we recognize the importance of working with people who claim more than one of the above identities.