Mission, Programs, and Services

The Office for Equity and Diversity is responsible for the University of Minnesota’s systemwide equity and diversity initiatives and programs, and for infusing the core values of equity and diversity into all aspects of teaching, learning, research, service, and outreach at the University.

The Office for Equity and Diversity envisions the University as a place where equity and diversity are woven into the very fabric of the University’s operations, and where colleges, administrative units, coordinate campuses, and external communities are partners in the work with shared responsibility for its success. The office’s responsibilities and programming include:

• Collaboration with the University community on policies, programs, and institutional priorities related to equity and diversity.
  
  
• Overseeing initiatives designed to increase campus diversity. These initiatives include:
  • Bridge funding for new faculty hires and spousal/partner hires. The University of Minnesota recognizes that a faculty reflecting the diversity of our society is important in facilitating the development of world-class scholars and artists. To enhance the University's opportunities to recruit and retain highly qualified faculty, the University has established two bridge funds for new hires and their spouses or partners, administered by the Office for Equity and Diversity.
    
    
  • Research Awards, including the President's Faculty Multicultural Research Award, designed to encourage and support research by faculty of color. The Diversity Through the Disciplines Forum is held to showcase winning research and present it to the community.
    
    
  • The "Keeping Our Faculties" symposium, a national conference held every two years, which focuses on best practices in recruting, retaining, mentoring, and advancing faculty of color in higher education. Learn more.
    
    
  • Scholarships for undergraduate students, including the Jackie Robinson Scholarship and the Puckett Scholarship programs, designed to recruit diverse students to the University. Learn more.
    
    
  • The Josie R. Johnson Human Rights and Social Justice Award, established in honor of Dr. Josie R. Johnson in recognition of her lifelong contributions to human rights and social justice, which guided her work with the civil rights movement, years of community service, and tenure at the University of Minnesota. Learn more.
    
    
  • The Equity and Diversity Research Institute, a proposed research center that will bring faculty together to do diversity-focused, interdisciplinary research. The development of the research institute is a collaboration between the Office for Equity and Diversity, the Graduate School, and faculty from a wide range of collegiate departments.
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  • The System-wide Equity and Diversity Action Network (SEDAN), a system-wide group of administrators involved in diversity work. The mission of SEDAN is to enhance collaboration, increase visibility, and address the challenges associated with equity and diversity work. For more information, contact SEDAN.
    
    
• Adminstrative responsibility for the six units that comprise the Office for Equity and Diversity . These six offices are:
  • The Bridge to Academic Excellence, a year-long program designed to prepare first-year students for the academic rigors of the University of Minnesota. Visit the Bridge on the web.
    
    
  • Disability Services, working to ensure equal learning and working opportunities for students, faculty, staff and guests with disabilities by working to eliminate physical, programmatic/policy, informational, and attitudinal barriers at the University.  Visit DS on the web.
    
    
  • Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, the University’s primary resource for information about equal opportunity and affirmative action in the search and hiring process, affirmative action policies, protected classes, and conflict around possible discrimination. Visit EOAA on the web.
    
    
  • The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Ally Programs Office, dedicated to improving campus climate for the GLBTA community and to addressing the harmful effects of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.  Visit GLBTA on the web.
    
    
  • The Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence, fostering inclusive, coherent learning for multicultural undergraduate students at the University through educational support programs, community engagement, cultural activities, and campus-wide collaborations.  Visit MCAE on the web.
    
    
  • The Office for University Women, which works to improve and enhance the work and learning environment for women faculty, staff, and students at the University.  Visit OUW on the web.