Diversity & Inclusion (D&I)

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

ALVSCE Colleagues,

Dr. Ursula Schuch stepped down as chair of the ALVSCE Diversity & Inclusion Council<https://compass.arizona.edu/diversity-inclusion> after more than a decade of service.  During her chairpersonship, the council expanded awareness through a monthly speaker series, increased representation on the central council, and established committees in each unit.  As a learning community, we are grateful for her and the council's passion and dedication to D&I.  Thank you, Ursula.

VP Burgess has engaged the Executive Council in multiple discussions about how we build on the work of the D&I Council.  I have been charged with scaning where we are, where the university is, and develop a plan and structure for ALVSCE moving forward.  My first step was to speak with active members of the D&I Council.  In the coming weeks, I will be speaking with Ivy Banks, the leader of the university diversity and inclusion office, and speaking with leading unit-level committees from Family & Consumer Sciences, Natural Resources and the Environment, Environmental Science, Maricopa County Extension Office, and others.  I am also studying D&I "programs of excellence" at the university and other institutions.

In my estimation, we are at a pivotal point to envision and implement a D&I program that represents who we are, who we aspire to be, and create a program that facilitates learning, personal growth, different viewpoints, and productive dialogue.  This kind of program aligns with the nature and purpose of an institution of higher learning - where the individual grows from deeply thinking about ideas and benefits from the opportunity to learn from others.

I ask for your wisdom, patience with me, and forgiveness when missteps are made.  VP Burgess, the Executive Council, and the unit leadership have the best of intentions to "get it right."  Working together, we'll continue to build upon our continuous goal of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization.

More soon as the plan comes together...


[cid:image002.png at 01D78392.69BBD3E0]
Jeff M 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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