DEI Initiatives in CHHS

By: Dr. Michelle Hampton

The first CHHS DEI Needs Assessment was conducted between September and October of 2021. More than 190 students, faculty and staff participated in the survey or focus groups to share experiences and identify needs and priorities for action in the College. The results, as detailed in the full report, indicate that while many experience the College as diverse and inclusive, this experience is not universal. In order to promote a climate in which all of our community members can thrive, it is our goal to improve that experience for those who are underrepresented and  underserved through a variety of initiatives.

The Action Plan includes 7 goals (see CHHS Action Plan) based upon the needs, interests, and priorities identified in the Needs Assessment. The goal is to: build relationships and the structures to support actions that advance DEI in the College, evaluate their efficacy, and apply a cycle of continuous quality improvement going forward. The goals for the remainder of this academic year include:

  1. Institute DEI committees in CHHS departments (where they do not currently exist).
  2. Routinely schedule professional development opportunities and for individual consultation regarding DEI for faculty, staff, and students.
  3. Develop a sustainable resource for health professional advising for students.
  4. Routinely schedule development activities for underrepresented faculty mentorship.
  5. Integrate staff in department and College operations and increase access to professional development opportunities.
  6. Provide tools and establish channels for DEI-related communication.
  7. Create processes for data collection and ongoing evaluation of representation among students, faculty, staff, and administration in CHHS.

Committee to Enhance Equity and Diversity (CEED)CEED members will be sharing the results of the needs assessment within their departments in December and in Spring 2022, you can be on the alert for:

  • Inclusive teaching checklists, an effort led by Dr. David Daum, Assistant Professor, Department of Kinesiology and Dr. Denise Dawkins, Assistant Professor, The Valley Foundation School of Nursing and new CEED Committee Chair.
  • Student-focused sessions to share the needs assessment findings and continued data collection regarding student needs.
  • Early learning opportunities will include an introduction to Courageous Conversations About Race and discussion groups to apply teaching strategies in Cornell University’s free MOOC, Inclusive Teaching: Supporting All Students in the College Classroom.
  • There will also be opportunities for real-time problem-solving through CHHS DEI Office Hours. Anyone can register or sign up using the links below for the:

Finally, a RSCA Strategizing and Mentorship group for SJSU’s Black faculty will begin meeting monthly on January 26, 2022. For other faculty in need of this mentorship, Dr. Robin Whitney (TVFSON)  established a similar group (open to faculty who are not nurses too!), and has extended the invitation to  join this group for assistance with developing a plan for successfully achieving tenure and promotion. For more information or to join, contact michelle.hampton@sjsu.edu. The form for 1:1 appointments can also be used for general requests or suggestions.

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