Northern Arizona University
PA-6: Assessing Diversity and Equity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.75 / 1.00 |
Traci
Gleason Director Student Life Experience |
Has the institution engaged in a structured assessment process during the previous three years to improve diversity, equity and inclusion on campus?:
A brief description of the assessment process and the framework, scorecard(s) and/or tool(s) used:
Yes, Northern Arizona University (NAU) has actively undertaken a comprehensive assessment process in the past three years to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus. This effort culminated in the finalization of the Diversity Strategic Planning process in 2020-21. The process involved extensive engagement with the NAU community, including students, staff, and faculty, through feedback sessions, listening sessions, task forces, and input from university diversity commissions.
The resulting Diversity Strategic Plan (DSP), accessible at https://in.nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/189/DSP-Final-3-12-21-1.pdf, serves as the cornerstone of this assessment initiative. It is a detailed document that not only outlines NAU's commitment to diversity but also incorporates associated metrics and a forthcoming scorecard, which will be made available on the Center for Inclusive Excellence and Access website (https://in.nau.edu/center-for-inclusive-excellence-and-access/).
Does the assessment process address campus climate by engaging stakeholders to assess the attitudes, perceptions and behaviors of employees and students, including the experiences of underrepresented groups?:
Does the assessment process address student outcomes related to diversity, equity and success?:
Does the assessment process address employee outcomes related to diversity and equity?:
A brief description of the most recent assessment findings and how the results are used in shaping policy, programs, and initiatives:
The most recent assessment findings from NAU's Diversity Strategic Planning process have been instrumental in shaping the institution's policies, programs, and initiatives. In June 2023, NAU appointed its inaugural Vice President for Inclusion, Diversity, and Engagement (IDE), who plays a pivotal role in overseeing the Center and various diversity-related programs, including the Diversity Fellows Program, diversity commissions, diversity training, and the implementation of the Diversity Strategic Plan (https://nau.edu/president/diversity-strategic-plan/).
These assessment findings have informed the strategic direction taken by the Vice President for IDE and Diversity Fellows in collaboration with the university community, including diversity commissions, the Equity and Access Office, and the Office of Inclusion: Multicultural & LGBTQIA Student Services. The results have been shared widely with key stakeholders on campus, including Student Affairs Vice-Presidents, Associate Vice-Presidents, Directors, College Deans, Assessment staff, and the University Diversity Fellow.
Furthermore, NAU has established the Commission on Commissions (CoCom) to amplify the impact of individual diversity commissions through intersectional partnerships. CoCom meets regularly, fostering discussions on the ongoing work, objectives, and goals of each commission to enhance its activities and capitalize on intersectional ties when appropriate. This collaborative approach ensures that assessment findings are continually used to influence and refine policies, programs, and initiatives campus-wide.
Are the results of the most recent structured diversity and equity assessment shared with the campus community?:
A brief description of how the assessment results are shared with the campus community:
The main deliverable of the Diversity Strategic Planning process and assessment is the Diversity Strategic Plan itself, not the assessments' results.
Are the results (or a summary of the results) of the most recent structured diversity and equity assessment publicly posted?:
The diversity and equity assessment report or summary (upload):
Website URL where the diversity and equity assessment report or summary is publicly posted:
Website URL where information about the institution’s diversity and equity assessment efforts is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.