Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

1. Recruitment of Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Interim President Teik C. Lim announced Tuesday, March 23 that Dr. Bryan Samuel has been selected as the inaugural Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and will join UTA in early May 2021.

2. Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Interim President Lim has formed a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee co-chaired by Debra Woody and Michele Bobadilla, which includes diverse representation from student government, as well as faculty and staff from schools, colleges and divisions across campus. This committee will make recommendations to University leadership on ways UTA can create a more supportive and fairer environment for every member of our community. Committee Membership

3. Faculty and Staff Diversity

A University-wide talent management plan is being developed to enhance the recruiting, retention, and promotion of underrepresented faculty and staff. This effort is being led by Faculty Affairs in the Provost’s Office and Human Resources, with involvement from units across the University. This initiative will fall under the new Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

4. Scholarship Opportunities

UTA has designated an additional $25 million in scholarships to address student diversity and especially the financial concerns of first-generation college students. These additional funds will support even more students from low-income families and those facing challenges in the wake of COVID-19.

5. Professional Development

The Office of Human Resources is implementing Diversity and Inclusion training for all faculty and staff. Employee training will include: Implicit Bias, Microaggressions, Upstander to Bystander, Cultural Competence, Creating Welcoming Diverse Environments, and Cultural Conflicts.

6. Student Courses

The University is immediately incorporating curriculum focused on identity, privilege, bias and oppression that will be delivered to new students for the Fall 2020 semester.

A task force has been formed with membership from across the University, to further develop curriculum focused on social justice and equity, that will be delivered to all new students. This enhanced curriculum will be launched in the Spring 2021 semester and will be regularly reviewed and improved for future semesters.

7. UTA Police Department

The UTA Police Department is reviewing departmental policies to ensure they are aligned with the core values of our University, and free from unfairness and bias.

In addition to regularly planned ongoing training, UTA police officers will receive additional advanced training in diversity, racial profiling, as well as implicit bias and explicit bias during the upcoming fall and spring semesters.

8. Multicultural Affairs

The Office of Multicultural Affairs is in the process of filling a staff position that is focused on providing opportunities to expand the Maverick Advantage program and support services for our diverse population of students. We are committed to expanding further programming and are creating a plan to add additional resources as we further our diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.