Get $ for your Diversity Initiatives!
Filed under Diversity
Posted by , March 21, 2007
View all posts for March 2007
TDC is Now Accepting Requests for Proposals for Funding for Diversity Initiatives for FY ‘08
Guidelines for FY ’08 Funding Cycle:
Formed in April 2004, The Diversity Council’s (TDC) charge is to create and support the development of innovative ideas and effective strategies that will build, nourish, and sustain a diverse college community. Since its inception, TDC has taken the lead on the implementation and assessment of Diversity Action Plans (DAP) and has allocated $750,000 toward diversity initiatives through a competitive grant process. FY ’08 marks $1M devoted to this effort.
The Council distributed its first round of funds in 2004 to programs and projects tied to each school and unit’s DAP. In our second and third years of funding, which began in FY ’06 and is extending to the close of FY ’07, TDC invested $500,000 on recruitment and retention of diverse students, faculty, and staff. The following represent a small sample of initiatives funded between 2005 and 2007. DC funds have:
- made it possible for over 70 contract employees to receive ESL training,
- provided the means needed to market Simmons in publications targeted to diverse audiences,
- led to the creation of new mentoring programs,
- allowed for the expansion of recruitment travel in areas with diverse student populations,
- covered a significant amount of the costs associated with college-wide diversity trainings, and
- helped establish an internship program for students with disabilities.
Despite these and many other successes, the College has not experienced marked increases in the recruitment and retention of diverse students, faculty, and staff. We know that change takes time, and significant increases in ALANA faculty, students, and staff will require long-term significant financial and strategic investments. Therefore, the Council will devote the FY’08 funding cycle (one year) to continuing efforts aimed at the recruitment and retention of faculty, staff and students from diverse and historically underrepresented backgrounds.
Preference will be given to initiatives that are designed to deliver measurable results. Proposals supported by existing evidence of success are encouraged, as are ideas that might be considered “risky” for Simmons.
We will entertain requests for previously funded projects, and we will consider requests that support the College, a specific department, or multiple departments. See the attached timeline and submission forms for a complete overview of the funding request process.
Note: Submissions related to diversity, but not specifically to recruitment and retention are welcome, but with the understanding that recruitment and retention are our priority areas. Note for Students: Students may submit proposals. However, like staff and faculty, proposals from students must be submitted through the appropriate dean/vice president. Students who have questions about the funding process or dean/VP approvals, should contact Lisa Smith-McQueenie, Assistant Dean for Student Life and TDC member, at extension 2120.
Forms available on the Diversity web site: http://my.simmons.edu/diversity/
We look forward to your participation.
Michael Melendez, LICSW Chair, The Diversity Council
