University provides update on Inclusive Excellence Initiative

Myron Anderson, Vice President for Inclusive Excellence

Editor’s note: This message was sent today via email to all students, faculty and staff from Vice President for Inclusive Excellence Myron Anderson:

DECEMBER 2, 2020 — I am writing to share some updates regarding the President’s Initiative on Inclusive Excellence and our ongoing efforts to advance UTSA’s campus climate, cultural intelligence, and the diversity of our faculty and staff.

Advancing Inclusive Excellence

• Earlier this semester we produced a wonderful series of events to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month showcasing many community leaders, faculty, staff and students. Under the guidance of a dedicated task force, we expanded our programming this year to feature over 30 virtual events touching on a wide array of significant themes in Latinx culture.
  
  
• After a temporary delay due to the pandemic, we have resumed work on our comprehensive university-wide inventory of all programs, initiatives, resources and tools related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The information gleaned through this project will inform future strategies to identify points of connection and areas where we can augment UTSA’s offerings.
  
  
• In October, UTSA was honored to receive the prestigious Seal of Excelencia for our demonstrated commitment to Latino student success and the work we are doing to embrace our identity as a Hispanic Serving Institution.

Campus Climate

• This year we are administering Campus Climate Surveys to hear from the university community about what is working well and where UTSA can improve. The faculty/staff version of the survey was administered this fall, and we plan to send a similar survey to all students this spring. We will present the results from both surveys to the campus this spring and summer.

Cultural Intelligence

• Last summer, the Office of Inclusive Excellence launched a microsite on Diversity in COVID-19 with resources to help our faculty and staff create inclusive learning experiences and environments during the pandemic.

Recruitment and Retention

• UTSA leadership has implemented several new recruitment processes to enhance the diversity of our faculty, with excellent progress made this year. Moving forward, we are working to augment our inclusive hiring practices for staff positions.
  
  
• Keeping an eye on retaining our faculty from underrepresented groups, we have launched a Tenure Track Networking Club (TTNC) to connect assistant professors with each other and with more senior scholars for collaborative, collegial support and guidance as they work to earn tenure.

These efforts to continually grow and reach for higher levels of inclusive excellence at UTSA are enduring and fundamental to the fabric of our university. Thanks to all those lending their voices, talents, energy and general support to this important work.