Universities must change how they foster inclusiveness, DU has a plan to help everyone belong (Opinion)

There is no shortage of change taking place nationally in American coaching We are witnessing shifts at universities and colleges across the nation in the efforts intended to help all students feel like they belong and are prepared to thrive Perceptions that the work fostering inclusiveness at the University of Denver has been swept aside are far from reality As DU s vice chancellor for the Division of Society Endorsement and Engagement with years of experience driving inclusiveness at multiple institutions I am leading our efforts around how we show up to promotion everyone in our neighborhood My engagements and connections in the national higher guidance sector allow me to confidently say that colleges and universities are not working in silos as we address these challenging times We are inspired by numerous efforts to continue promoting inclusiveness in higher schooling across Colorado and the U S and we hope DU will serve as an innovative example At DU we are leaning into our long-standing and sustained value of inclusiveness while thinking about and approaching it in new strategies To guide the work and provide thoughtful engagement the new Division of Public Advocacy and Engagement DCSE has offered its vision of a DU where every individual feels a deep sense of belonging promotion and connection We continue to provide engagements that allow us to hear from the region and we are moving forward by offering sponsorship through the three sub-units of the division and their work The mission of the Division of Locality Sponsorship and Engagement is to cultivate an inclusive and welcoming surroundings for all members of the DU group We are doing so by advancing a framework where we foster social and intellectual connections that provide opportunities for everyone to feel they belong Research shows belonging is the basis for thriving whether that is scholar degree completion or employee retention We aim to be a hub to foster the multiple options members of our society might build connection noting that connection is the foundation of belonging and paves the road for individual and neighborhood thriving At the University of Denver we initiated conversations in about how to thoughtfully evolve in response to broader shifts in American higher teaching Since then we ve engaged in a collaborative and holistic process ensuring that trainee faculty and staff voices shape our path forward We ve created opportunities for group members to meet with our organization to help define belonging and thriving share new ideas for help and explore how we can more intentionally welcome people into our space Indeed we of late hosted an impressively attended open house filled with opportunities for interactive engagement around these questions while informing the public about the sustained work of the division Related Articles Denver-based Ownli looking to reprogram home purchasing by using AI University of Denver lists -acre multifamily property for million Shame on DU and the cowardly leaders who cut diversity and inclusion efforts Letters Renck DU to West Coast Conference is ideal fit represents huge win for Pioneers University of Denver moving to West Coast Conference in The Division of District Assistance and Engagement includes Locality Connections Academic Locality Engagement and the Ombuds These teams help students staff and faculty through leadership programs professional advancement teaching endorsement and conflict resolution For example we are continuing longstanding apprentice leadership programs like our Excelling Leaders Institute ELI sustaining assistance of community-initiated affinity groups serving students faculty and staff while bridging the work of our Ombuds through restorative practices and conflict management and building new connections between graduate trainee help and faculty rise The work of fostering inclusion at colleges and universities has never been more complex or more vital than it is right now While the changes we have made at DU have not been easy we are dedicated to continuing to partner with members of our population as the division thoughtfully forges a new path forward for inclusiveness for every novice faculty and staff member Courage is vital in the face of uncertainty We are encouraged as our students share their perspectives with us through the shifts as faculty continue to educate with academic freedom care and concern and as staff continue to make way for thoughtful connections Our work championing inclusiveness continues and we welcome individuals across DU s extended area to join us in the journey forward Christopher Whitt is the Vice Chancellor of Area Sponsorship and Engagement at the University of Denver Sign up for Sound Off to get a weekly roundup of our columns editorials and more To send a letter to the editor about this article submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail