Your Role in Helping Build an Inclusive Campus

Dear Colleague,

I appreciate the effort you have made to help our students and your co-workers experience KU as a place where we each feel we belong and are supported in our personal and professional growth.

Even as we make progress, I know there is more we must do – as individuals and as a community – to significantly improve diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging at KU. Incidents of bias and discrimination continue to occur on our campuses and have direct negative impact on the experiences of community members. Now is the time for us to take collective action in accordance with our values and toward achieving our vision of being an exceptional learning community that lifts each other and advances society.

Very soon, all staff and faculty with access to MyTalent will be invited to complete “Diversity and Inclusion.” This is a 1-hour course designed to deepen understanding of topics related to identity, increase confidence to act inclusively, and equip participants with increased skills for recognizing and confronting bias and discrimination when they present themselves in our community.

We are on an ongoing journey to establish KU as a diverse and inclusive community that respects and values all members. This module brings us one step closer to our goal. We are committed to continuing this work through the Jayhawks Rising strategic plan and the forthcoming Inclusive Excellence offerings from the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.

Each one of us contributes to a community of care on our campus. Thank you in advance for completing this module at your earliest opportunity. Our students and colleagues are counting on each of us to do our part to strengthen our environment and ensure all members are included, supported and able to successfully achieve their academic, research and work goals.

Thank you for all you do for KU.

Respectfully,

Barb

Barbara A. Bichelmeyer

Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor