Goal 1: Campus Climate

In the past year, Information and Technology Services (ITS) appointed a Words Matter Task Force to enhance work culture by opening up dialogue around how language is used in their workplace. Recognizing that the meaning of words can change over time, the task force was charged with identifying terms used within the technology landscape that are, or can be construed to be, racist, sexist or non-inclusive, and to propose alternative words and phrases in the nomenclature and terminology of its daily work. In addition, the team was asked to provide guidance on future technology-related naming policies, principles and implementation procedures across ITS services. After several months of work, the team created a set of recommendations to highlight the importance of inclusive language, suggest new artifact-naming standards and provide guidance for further organizational development. The recommendations were shared with staff in December 2020, and continued organizational development training materials are in development.

To promote a safe and supportive environment where all members of our community can work, learn and thrive, staff in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD) Office of DEI worked to create an SMTD-specific toolkit on preventing sexual misconduct in the performing arts, in collaboration with with members of the Faculty and Staff Allies Network (FASAN), Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC), Office of Institutional Equity (OIE), Office for Student Conflict Resolution (OSCR) and other units. The intent was not to replace live or online-based training, but to supplement ongoing training and educational efforts. Among key areas addressed were: definitions and expectations, boundaries and power dynamics, the reporting process, training offered on campus and additional campus resources. Since physical interaction is integral to the performing arts, the kit includes SMTD-specific scenarios as well as syllabus language on physical touch in the classroom. The toolkit was made available to all faculty and staff and is being used as a template for other units on campus. It will continue to be updated on an annual basis.

Guided by staff from the Leadership Development Team, a committee of student-athlete leaders formed the Victors Vote committee to address needs and inform fellow students about activities and engagement opportunities in advance of the 2020 election. The committee recruited internal and external partners—including U-M’s Ginsberg Center and its Turn Up Turnout initiative, the Big Ten Conference, the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) and the Secretary of State’s Office—to host six workshops between July and October. Topics ranged from the history of voting and ballot basics to the voter registration process. Additionally, in conjunction with NCAA legislation (announced September 16, 2020), Michigan Athletics introduced a departmental policy prohibiting athletic-related activities every year on Election Day. Finally, a 100 percent Voter Registration Challenge was launched on social media, resulting in 14 of 29 varsity teams registering all their eligible voters. Student-athletes also sought opportunities to volunteer on Election Day.