ACPHS Creating Office of
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
To ACPHS Community,

I want to update you on our ongoing efforts to improve Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) within our ACPHS community.

As previously announced, the Coalition for Change prepared a report that includes a proposed framework of sustained action to create a more inclusive culture at ACPHS. The Coalition emphasized the goal of the report is to motivate transformative outcomes that improve the educational, professional, and personal growth and success of our students and community at large. The Coalition for Change has successfully fulfilled their charge, and I am deeply appreciative of their efforts. 

Creating Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The report recommends the establishment of an Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that will assist us in creating a supportive culture to address the evolving, critical needs of the community. While we continue to seek input on the Coalition's report from various stakeholder groups on campus, the College will be moving forward to establish a DEI Office.

Creating the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a foundational and critical component for transformative change at ACPHS. We must invest the time and energy to build the infrastructure that insures success. Since this comprehensive initiative impacts every aspect of the College – academic affairs, student affairs and personnel issues - I have charged Anuja Ghorpade, Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs; John Felio, Vice President of Student Affairs; and Sue Karavolas, Vice President of Human Resources to oversee the steps necessary to establish a DEI Office. I will be asking this group to:

  • Establish the charge for the DEI Office
  • Identify and prioritize the staffing needs
  • Develop job descriptions for staff positions

The structure of this office will provide the incoming President a road map to move forward. My recommendation is that the leader of the DEI Office report directly to the President. The new President needs to select such a pivotal member of the leadership team. In the interim, we will be determining if there are other priority positions that need to be filled sooner to meet immediate needs. 

Implementing Foundational Steps to Advance DEI

In addition to moving forward with creating the DEI Office, I also want to acknowledge the progress that has been made to date. A number of foundational steps are in progress that promote a more inclusive culture at ACPHS and impact various aspects of our College community. This week's Academic Pulse will provide a compilation of the efforts completed and in progress in Academic Affairs, Students Affairs, and Human Resources. 

If you have any questions on our ongoing initiatives or suggestions regarding the DEI Office, please contact Anuja Ghorpade, John Felio, and/or Sue Karavolas. They are working closely on these efforts and will consult with one another as needed.

Engaging ACPHS Community in Ongoing DEI Discussions

We have begun discussions and will continue to engage members of the ACPHS community in this critical dialogue. The DEI Chats with faculty and staff have begun, and this week we are meeting with some of the established clubs on campus created by underrepresented students for further dialogue. 

Once again, I want to thank members of the Coalition for Change for their service in advancing the College's efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion within our community, and agree wholeheartedly with their statement:

This change is only possible if we become a Campus for Change, where all students, staff, faculty, and administrators share responsibility for this work to transform ACPHS into a welcoming, supportive, adaptive, and engaged community.


Sincerely,

Greg Dewey
ACPHS President