Priority 3: Social Responsibility

Objective 1: Support freedom of expression and diversity of views

Actions:

Support the university’s Freedom of Expression Policy.
Build collaborative relationships with local organizations and community advisory boards when planning programming and events.

Objective 2: Support faculty, staff, and students in their efforts toward improving social justice and racial equity and opportunity

Metrics:

We will align our policies, procedures, and practices to support inclusion, justice, and equity.
We will organize and host multiple events each year to discuss cultural and systemic challenges to social justice and racial equity.​​​​​​​
Actions:

Re-institute the CLASS Committee on Diversity with a new charge to review department and college procedures and advise committees, departments, and the dean’s office to strengthen inclusive practices.
Maintain structure and support for our Special Committee on Race and Social Justice.
Increase financial and administrative support for events addressing social topics and issues identified by the campus community.

Objective 2: Increase scope and depth of community partnerships

Metric:

We will incorporate alumni and community partners in the college’s planning and implementation activities, such as co-curricular activities, research, service, and events.​​​​​​​
Actions:

Maintain and increase alumni, and community membership on the Dean’s Advisory Board, specifically leaders and members of Third Ward and East End organizations.
Review, advise, and assist departments and centers regarding inclusive community and stakeholder membership on their community advisory boards.
Explore grant and other funding opportunities with community partners for projects to contribute to community success.

Objective 3: Encourage civic and community responsibility

Metrics:

At least one-third of our majors will participate in at least one experiential learning opportunity: internship, Learning Abroad, Learning Away, research, or service learning.
Increase faculty and staff volunteering in community and civic engagement and service.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Actions:

Create partnerships with community and campus partners (e.g., student organizations) that enhance support and opportunities for service-learning activities.
Review annual performance review and promotion criteria for faculty and staff to increase and emphasize civic and community engagement and service.