Insight Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education, has again recognized the College for its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The College is among 93 schools chosen as winners of the magazine’s HEED (Higher Education Excellence in Diversity) Award. This marks the sixth straight year Union has been honored. The winners will be featured in the magazine’s November issue.
“The HEED Award process consists of a comprehensive and rigorous application that includes questions relating to the recruitment and retention of students and employees - and best practices for both; continued leadership support for diversity; and other aspects of campus diversity and inclusion,” said Lenore Pearlstein, the magazine’s co-publisher.
“We look for institutions where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being done every day across campus.”
Among the innovative and impactful diversity- and inclusion-related programs, initiatives, policies or practices at Union:
• Social Justice Retreat, an annual event, gives students a forum in which to further develop knowledge and skills to support them in becoming better change agents around areas of racism, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, ageism, religious oppression, classism, global citizenship and many identities and power differences.
• Diversity and Inclusion Certification Course is offered to all employees and is designed to expand employee’s knowledge of issues related to diversity, and broaden the campus learning environment beyond the classroom.
Diversity remains central to Union’s institutional identity and mission and remains a key priority of the College’s strategic plan. A draft of a new plan that will guide the College’s decision-making over the next five years includes a key objective to “cultivate respect and understanding for all members of the Union College and broader communities, and welcome, include and support a measurably more diverse college community.”
“We are grateful to again be recognized with a HEED award for our collective efforts toward diversity and inclusion,” said Gretchel Hathaway, the dean of Diversity and Inclusion and chief diversity officer. “It has taken intentional work, exceptional leadership and strategic vision to make Union a welcoming community for all.”