Inclusive Excellence

Students in School of Social Work Building A Rm108

Inclusive Excellence

Guided by the NASW Code of Ethics, we will continue our goal to build our School into a diverse group of individuals committed to social justice and celebrate our various social identities that reflect our student body. To uplift inclusive excellence, we commit to equity, which means intentionally building conditions within the School that create more space and remove barriers for diverse, and historically excluded individuals.

The following strategies that promote inclusion, equity, and diversity can help the SSW achieve inclusive excellence.

Facilitate DEI activities with the leadership of DEI Director

Introspective training for faculty and staff
Teaching strategies and training on inclusiveness
Initiate professional development brown bags, seminars, or workshops in-house
Develop inclusive learning events for multiple communities (internal and external)

Create opportunities to increase feelings of “belonging”

Onboarding activities to include orientation for faculty and staff about the profession of Social Work, our School of Social Work, relationship building and mentoring.

Promote events reflecting the diversity of our community

Monthly social activity/Increase the number of formal and informal faculty and staff get-togethers
Gather for social connecting and building community before faculty and staff meetings.
Initiate social and service events using faculty and staff volunteers

Improve Communication

Feature SSW teams/areas in the e-newsletter (external).
Encourage faculty/staff to follow at least one of the SSW media platforms.
More conversation with faculty/staff on best methods to improve communication.
Maximize the number and breadth of communication vehicles (online and offline).

Enhance the physical (built) environment to encourage a positive culture and learning environment

Add in ‘socially engaging’ enhancements to physical spaces (i.e., photos, murals, prints).
Reflect the diversity of our community in visual representations and spaces
Ensure the accessibility of signage, spaces and online learning environments

Recognize exemplary work demonstrating integrity and mutual respect

Evaluate and restructure/expand recognition and awards.

Build networks and collaborations for fostering the hiring and retention of diverse faculty and staff

Create pipelines for identifying and recruiting diverse hires
Develop ongoing relationships and collaborative exchanges with diverse groups
Develop resources and supports that promote an inclusive community to retain faculty and staff

Create a safe, collaborative environment for learning, mentoring, and professional growth

Increase engagement social and professional opportunities throughout the academic year for students, staff, and faculty to interact.
Facilitate universally accessible physical spaces that facilitate social interactions and networking, as well as spaces that support and affirm gender identity and expression and mothering needs.
Promote accessible virtual spaces that facilitate social interactions and networking.