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3 HR Strategies to Champion Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in Higher Education

September 23, 2024

In today’s higher education landscape, fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment is no longer just a best practice – it’s a necessity. It attracts top talent, strengthens the student experience, and fosters innovation. But HR faces unique challenges in implementing effective Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion strategies within universities and colleges.

Challenges for HR in Higher Education DE&I:

Hidden Bias: Unconscious bias can infiltrate the recruitment, hiring, and promotion processes, hindering efforts to building diversity within the institution. (Source: A 2020 study by Yale found that applicants with stereotypically Black names received fewer interview requests than those with white names.)
Limited Candidate Pools: Traditional recruitment methods may not reach underrepresented talent groups.
Retention Issues: Creating a welcoming and inclusive work environment is crucial to retaining diversity among your faculty and staff.

Actionable Strategies for HR Professionals:

1. Invest in Training: Train your search chairs, hiring managers, and HR team members on unconscious bias and inclusive recruitment practices. (Source: A 2019 Harvard Business Review study found that companies with unconscious bias training saw a 30% reduction in bias in promotion decisions)

2. Cultivate an Inclusive Workplace: Implement mentorship programs, employee resource groups (ERGs), and inclusive communication practices to foster a sense of belonging for faculty and staff of all backgrounds.

3. Build a Strong Data Foundation: Utilize data to track progress in your Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion initiatives. Monitor the diversity of your applicant pool, hires, and promotions.

4. Partner with Campus Allies: Create diversity committees to leverage their expertise and build a collaborative Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion strategy.

Investing in Your Institution’s Future

By implementing these strategies, HR professionals can play a key role in creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. A diverse and inclusive institutional population enriches the learning experience for students, fosters innovation, and enhances your reputation.

Source List:

TESTIMONIALS

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Greenfield Community College

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Central College

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Salve Regina University

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