Nurture Diversity and Inclusion
The "EDI is you" wordmark was developed to help promote stories, content, and events that highlight Illinois State's values of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion throughout the University. This mark is regularly incorporated into news stories, media posts, or other communication media featuring EDI-related content.
Percent of students from traditionally underrepresented populations fall 2021.
Faculty Diversity Enhancement Program
The Faculty Diversity Enhancement Program (FDEP) is a $4.5 million, multi-year initiative developed and approved in FY22. FDEP is dedicated to attracting outstanding new faculty to help diversify disciplinary fields in which some demographics have been, and remain, underrepresented and recruit and retain faculty who promote equity, diversity, inclusion, and access through their research, teaching, service, and mentoring.
IDEAS Graduation Requirement
Academic Senate approved a new graduation requirement, IDEAS (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access in U.S. Society), concentrating on generating dialogue around the benefits and challenges of living in a diverse society. The requirement is for all undergraduates and can be met through general education or major requirements.
Advising Success Network
Advisors across campus are engaging in a series of professional development modules centered on equity in academic advising through the Advising Success Network. This professional development opportunity is part of the larger Institutional Transformation Project for Student Success and Equity.
Search Advocate Program
Human Resources launched the Search Advocate program, training its first two cohorts of advocates. The cohorts participated in a two-part workshop series addressing current research about implicit bias, diversity, the changing legal landscape in hiring, inclusive employment principles, practical strategies for each stage of the search process, and effective ways to be an advocate on a search committee.
Multicultural Center Dedication
The Multicultural Center was dedicated in fall 2021. The Center provides students with an affirming campus environment where they can embrace their intersecting identities. In addition to providing space for student-driven programs, the Center also offers programming related to healing, antiracism, social and cultural experiences, and leadership and community development.
Alumni Board DEI Committee
The Alumni Association Board of Directors formed a committee to consider and act on how the Alumni Association can partner with Alumni Engagement staff, university administration, faculty, prospective alumni, and students to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Plant-based at State Board and initiatives
The Vegetarian Advisory Board was reevaluated and rebranded the Plant-based Advisory Board with the goal of being more inclusive of other plant-based diets. Event Management, Dining and Hospitality also redesigned department promotional materials to include a variety of diets including vegetarian, vegan, flexitarian, and more. New menu items have also been added throughout campus dining, including the Childcare Center and Metcalf School.
CAST Grants for Innovation in Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion
In fall 2021, the College of Applied Science and Technology funded eight teams to work towards the advancement of an equitable and inclusive community and a culture of collaboration and belonging, through a new initiative entitled, Grants for Innovation in Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion. Initiatives are funded to increase belonging and engagement, increase awareness of appreciation for a diverse and inclusive community, and inform the CAST community on issues of social justice, diversity, and intercultural communication.
Diversifying Library Collections
Milner Library staff enhanced e-book and print collections to update or increase research materials on Queer Studies, Latin American studies, African American newspapers, women artists, and culturally responsive leadership.
Camp COB
Camp COB, sponsored by the College of Business and the Management and Quantitative Methods Department, was a recruitment effort during spring 2022. Underrepresented students from several area secondary schools attended a session where they engaged with departmental chairs and faculty, the TRIO program, and advising to learn about the opportunities available to them within the college.
Rainbow Floor
The Rainbow Floor Themed Living-Learning Community is designed for students interested in living on a floor supportive of the LGBTQ+ community, including students who identify with the community and allies. The new Rainbow Floor is sponsored by University Housing Services; Women’s Gender, and Sexuality Studies; the Multicultural Center; and the School of Communication.