Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plan

The U-M Office of the Vice President for Government Relations (OVPGR) in conjunction with the broader university-wide community has remained committed to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Since the inception of DEI 1.0, OVPGR has pursued the following goals and objectives (as identified by OVPGR staff after a year-long planning project, reviewed annually to ensure relevance and focus, since 2015) within the below 4 domain areas:

Inclusive & Equitable Climate

• Accessibility
• Accommodations
• DEI Skills Training
• Enhanced Communications & Feedback
• Equity Review

Recruitment, Retention, & Success

• DEI in Staff Annual Review Process (APE)
• Fair/Unbiased Hiring
• Onboarding and/or Orientation
• Professional/Career Development

Innovative and Inclusive Education, Scholarship & Research

• Community-Engaged Learning or Practice

Service

• ADA Compliance
• Community-identified Priorities
• External Partnerships
• Outreach Activities
• Underserved Group Focus

In order to meet these goals, OVPGR launched initiatives such as:

• Adding a DEI professional development component to the staff annual review process;
• Monthly DEI activities focused on areas identified by staff and opportunity for non-DEI leads to facilitate sessions as part of professional development;
• Implementing professional development opportunities utilizing campus and non-campus expertise;
• Ensuring virtual events/activities meet accessibility standards;