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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">ALVSCE Colleagues,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Dr. Ursula Schuch stepped down as chair of the ALVSCE
<a href="https://compass.arizona.edu/diversity-inclusion">Diversity & Inclusion Council</a> 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.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">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.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">More soon as the plan comes together…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#0C234B">Jeff M Ratje</span></b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#767676"><br>
</span>Associate Vice President, Finance Admin Operations<br>
Division of Agriculture, Life and Vet Sciences & Cooperative Extension<br>
THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA<span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#767676"><br>
</span><br>
Forbes, 314c<br>
PO Box 210036 | Tucson, AZ 85721<br>
Office: 520-621-1468<span style="font-size:9.0pt;color:#767676"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#767676"><a href="mailto:jmratje@email.arizona.edu"><span style="color:#767676;text-decoration:none">jmratje@email.arizona.edu</span></a><br>
<b><a href="https://www.compass.arizona.edu/"><span style="color:#8B0015;text-decoration:none">www.compass.arizona.edu</span></a></b><br>
<br>
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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