Diversity & Inclusion Update

[Agriculture, Life and Veterinary Sciences, and Cooperative Extension Weekly Bulletin]

ALVSCE Colleagues,

It has been a semester full of activity.  I sincerely hope that you and your loved ones have a restful and fun winter break.

Since my last message to you on Diversity & Inclusion (D&I), I've been on a listening tour.  It has reminded me of a simple truth: what D&I looks like in ALVSCE is up to each of us.  Whether we want to employ a workforce who represents the diversity of the people of Arizona, create a reputation of inclusion that attracts people from diverse backgrounds and experiences, or individually make a choice to grow and become more empathetic to others, none of these can be directed top-down.  They require each of us to engage in self-discovery and be open to the discomfort and opportunity of change.

I was also reminded that this is not about "box-checking" to look good, it's about us.  It's about really walking our talk to work in the best environment we can.

All of the input I received coalesced into a considered approach that I believe will further make us the most sought after place to be a part of.

I've discussed my thoughts with Executive Council, Academic, Extension, and Experiment Station leaders, and the D&I Council and the Faculty Council chair.  I'm working through administrative details now and will have specifics ready in early 2022.

I am deeply indebted to the ALVSCE D&I Council.  They are a tremendous resource for our division.  We are meeting regularly and they will be an important part of the new approach I'll share in 2022.  They have my profound thanks.


[cid:image002.png at 01D7F35B.011B2A50]
Jeff Ratje
Associate Vice President, Finance Admin Operations
Division of Agriculture, Life and Vet Sciences & Cooperative Extension
THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

Forbes, 314c
PO Box 210036 | Tucson, AZ 85721
Office: 520-621-1468
jmratje at email.arizona.edu<mailto:jmratje at email.arizona.edu>
www.compass.arizona.edu<https://www.compass.arizona.edu/>



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