Diversity Leadership Council Initiatives
Since the Diversity Leadership Council set out on its mission, it has launched a variety of initiatives on campus, including the annual Diversity Leadership Awards, the annual Professional Services Business Diversity Symposium, the Hispanic and Latino Employee Network and the Campus Conversations speaker series. The University also is planning an employee climate survey.
Diversity Leadership Awards
The Diversity Leadership Awards seek to recognize University staff and alumni who display leadership in fostering diversity both on campus and within the surrounding community and to highlight, in concert with the University of Chicago Board of Governors, the contributions of alumni who advance the cause of justice and equality in our community and society. The Diversity Leadership Council began giving the awards in 2009.
More about the Diversity Leadership Awards »
The Professional Services Business Diversity Symposium
The Offices of Business Diversity for the University and the Medical Center sponsor an annual two-day symposium that brings together minority- and women-owned professional service firms for an opportunity to network, make formal presentations and begin building sustainable relationships with University and Medical Center senior decision makers. The inaugural symposium was held in 2009.
Hispanic/Latino Employee Network
Human Resource Services and members of the employment subcommittee of the Diversity Leadership Council launched a new affinity group for Hispanic and Latino UChicago staff members. The new Hispanic and Latino Employee Network was formed to encourage appreciation and respect for diversity and inclusion at the University while providing staff members with a forum to share and exchange ideas, common interests, experiences and challenges.
Campus Conversations
The Campus Conversations speaker series reflects the Diversity Leadership Council’s mission to build a strong, diverse and inclusive community. As part of this goal, the Council is engaging campus leaders in dialogue with staff throughout the University to strengthen the ability of employees to make continued, positive contributions to the campus environment. Vice President for Campus and Student Life and Dean of Students Kimberly Goff-Crews and Associate Vice President and Chief of Police for Safety and Security Marlon Lynch kicked off Campus Conversations in May 2011 with a discussion about campus safety and security.
Employee Climate Survey
The University is currently in the planning stages of a targeted survey intended to measure the satisfaction and engagement levels of non-teaching staff members. This survey will help to identify factors that attract staff to the University and contribute to their retention, in an effort to develop the most effective policies and programs.
Nim Chinniah, Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer, discusses the theme of "building and sustaining a culture of excellence," at the second talk in the Campus Conversations speaker series held on Jan. 18, 2012. The speaker series was created exclusively for University of Chicago and University of Chicago Medicine staff members. Chinniah pointed out how finance and administration staff are building credibility and capacity while creating alignment with University priorities.