Diversity Action Plan (DAP)
In order for Simmons to be successful in reaching its diversity vision, we needed a unified, college-wide view and approach to frame the process and ensure accountability. The Diversity Action Plan (DAP) was developed June 04, and defines the initiatives and assessment measures the The Diversity Council will use to further its diversity goals. Each school and administrative unit created a DAP in August 04 that articulated how it would support the college-wide goals and initiatives. These DAPs were reviewed by TDC to assure that action steps were clear and assessment measures had been defined. Each January, Accountability Reports are presented to the Board of Trustees which present progress made on each item in a school or unit's DAP. The college-wide goals, initiatives and measures are below. If you wish to see an individual school or unit's DAP or report on progress, please contact the Dean or Vice President directly, or email diversity@simmons.eduSimmons College Strategic Plan Goal 4:
Build a diverse community of students, faculty and staff to enhance learning and prepare students for citizenship, leadership and the professions
Diversity Initiatives and Assessment Measures:
1. Create a campus climate which models respect for difference and recognizes the value of diversity in achieving organizational and academic excellence
Assessment Measure:
Improved internal and external perception of Simmons as a welcoming, diverse community, as demonstrated in student and employee satisfaction surveys, success of recruitment and retention, alumnae/i giving, surveys of alumnae/i and employers
2. Ensure that every community member understands what diversity means in their work, and how to operationalize that understanding.
Assessment Measure:
- Diversity goals are included in all faculty, staff and administrator annual performance reviews
- Contributions to diversity goals are in all annual reports and program reviews of academic departments and schools
3. Recruit, retain and advance faculty, staff and students of diverse and traditionally underrepresented backgrounds
Assessment Measure:
Increased percentage of members of the community of diverse backgrounds at all levels (students, faculty, staff, senior administration, board of trustees)
4. Integrate diversity into the curricula and co-curricula activities to ensure the "infusion of inclusion" necessary for the development of knowledge, skills and critical thinking
Assessment Measure:
- Increased integration of diversity in courses and curriculum
- Increased effectiveness of the infusion of diversity as reflected in student learning outcomes
- Increased offerings, participation and impact of co-curricular events emphasizing diversity
5. Increase scholarly and professional activities pertaining to diversity (including research, presentations, publications)
Assessment Measure:
Increased scholarly activities relating to diversity
Financial Commitment: Increased financial resources devoted to promoting diversity (e.g. financial aid, salaries, professional development)