Renewing our Commitment to Excellence through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Dear members of the University of Iowa community,

Excellence through diversity, equity, and inclusion is a core value on our campus, and UI leadership reflects on the phrase often as we continue to strengthen efforts related to those important areas. The 2019-2021 Excellence through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Plan outlines goals and defines outcomes we hope to achieve through campus-wide collaboration over the next two years. 

The detailed action plan could not have been created without your invaluable input and participation in the campus climate survey, listening sessions, and contributions to the FY19 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Digest. You told us where and how we could be better, and the action plan steering committee used your thoughtful feedback to create challenging but achievable goals.

As stated in our statement of purpose and mission (OM 2.1(3)), the university is a community of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends who seek to advance knowledge and foster learning across a broad range of academic endeavors, which requires us to take seriously our obligation to protect academic freedom and free expression while maintaining an inclusive community in which people of different backgrounds can encounter one another and flourish in a spirit of cooperation, openness, and shared appreciation. When we work together, we are better. When we understand each other, we are stronger. When we value our fellow community members, we are a more bonded family . 

This plan will build on our legacy, advance a more equitable environment, and promote inclusiveness on every level and for every person. It is designed to be a living road map to a better university—and the next step on our historic journey.

Thank  you for being in partnership with us as we engage in the important work of making the UI a place where everyone matters. 

J. Bruce Harreld, president

Sue Curry, former interim executive vice president and provost

Melissa Shivers, vice president for student life and former interim associate vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion

Action Plan and Reports