Undergraduate researchers from the Lawrence and Medical Center campuses presented their research projects Feb. 18 at the Kansas Capitol for the Kansas Undergraduate Research Day. The event is intended to raise awareness of the research being conducted by undergraduate students at state universities. Undergraduate Nicole Humphrey meets with John Augusto, the Director for Center for Undergraduate Research, in the Senate Chambers at the Kansas State Capitol.

Being an administrator takes many forms in a Research I (RI) institution.  From department chairs and center directors to supervisory grounds keepers, associate deans, and vice provosts, administrators help keep the infrastructure of the university operating while helping students, staff, and faculty reach their goals. Administrators at KU are dedicated to providing equitable experiences that are achieved through transparent communication, shared governance opportunities, clear institutional goals, and fair policies  that empower students, staff, and faculty to help cultivate a culture where each Jayhawk feels valued. Our university strategic plan, Jayhawks Rising, charges us all to deliver quality teaching, research, and service; with fiscal responsibility and excellence that is rooted in our campus code of ethical conduct. RISE, one of our core foundations, makes a commitment to all Jayhawks that our administration will engage in intersectional approaches that reflect the rich cultural and intellectual diversity of the state and the world.

Key Questions to Consider

  • What efforts do you have in place to realize your unit-level DEIB/RISE plan for the academic year?
  • Consider asking for an Equity Advisor to be appointed to your unit. If you already have an Equity Advisor, set a regular meeting schedule to monitor and implement the plan.
  • How do you engage the wide range of identities you serve in your unit? What supports help you refresh skill sets to serve diverse populations?
  • How can you incorporate a broad range of perspectives that address social and cultural equity (inequity) in your everyday interactions? (e.g., administrative work choices, recruitment and retention, hiring, leadership of faculty, staff, and students, etc.)
  • How can you implement unit-level support for communities that is different than the identities that you hold?
  • How do you address social and cultural gaps of representation in your unit (i.e., and its faculty, staff, or students) through policy-level change?
  • Can you commit to attending campus talks, engaging in training and workshops, and/ or supporting your unit (students, staff, and faculty members) in equity efforts on campus?

 

Some Recommended Actions

  1. Create a personal goal plan to learn more about experiences of other Jayhawks who are historically and/or systemically marginalized. (Engage the DEIB/RISE Toolbox resources for students, staff, and faculty.)
  2. Get involved with a community-facing programs, workshops, clubs, or other activities to expand your experience and engagement with the broader community surrounding KU.
  3. Ask your Equity Advisor(s), chair(s), and fellow administrators how you can be a part of making KU a place where everyone feels valued right where you are.
  4. Engage in international and affinity programming to learn more about international engagement. Invite a fellow student, staff, faculty member, or administrator to be an accountability partner and attend events and trainings together.
  5. Make a commitment to read the KU Common Book and get involved in discussions.
  6. Consider a unit-level lunch and learn to communicate and support your unit’s equity plan for Chairs, Directors, Deans, Associate Deans, Vice Provosts, etc.
  7. Subscribe to the Office of DEIB’s DEIB newsletter and  calendar.
  8. Visit this RISE Toolbox to access new resources and learn about campus trainings, webinars, and events.

 

DEIB Resources for University/School/Department Administrators