Tufts University
PA-4: Diversity and Equity Coordination

Our Vision: Interactive Inclusion At Tufts, diversity and inclusion are central to the academic mission of the university. We believe in the inherent worth of all people, regardless of race and ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, physical and intellectual ability, religion, geographic origin and language background, and socioeconomic status. We recognize that it is not enough to enroll a diverse student body. We must make certain that all our students thrive here and have opportunities to participate fully in the Tufts experience. We will further the university’s commitment to equal opportunity and inclusion for all students—undergraduate, graduate, and professional—and for faculty, staff, and university leaders across all campuses and throughout all our schools. We aspire to deliver the promise that Tufts is a place where all members of our community feel a sense of belonging and empowered to contribute in ways that celebrate the most important parts of their identity. We will create an environment that encourages and embraces open, respectful dialogue and civic engagement both inside and beyond the classroom even when it comes to topics on which there may be profound differences. We realize that inclusion, in and of itself, is not enough. We aspire to create interactive inclusion: paths of opportunity that intersect with one another; paths on which diverse perspectives flow freely throughout Tufts, elevating our community, and ultimately—as students graduate and pursue their dreams—elevating communities throughout the world. Leadership As we strive to create an environment that embraces diversity and advances an inclusive culture across all four of our campuses, Tufts benefits from a wealth of perspectives; students, faculty, staff, and university leaders—most notably President Anthony P. Monaco and Provost and Senior Vice President ad interim Deborah Kochevar. Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council Chaired by President Monaco, the Tufts Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council guides the university’s strategy and policies to advance diversity and inclusion among the student body, faculty, and staff to make the university more inclusive and welcoming to all. The University has two Chief Diversity Officers: Rob Mack, Ed. D, Associate Provost and Chief Diversity Officer, Medford/SMFA; Associate Dean for Student Success and Advising; Director, BLAST Joyce Sackey, M.D. Associate Provost and Chief Diversity Officer, Tufts University Health Sciences Schools, Dean for Multicultural Affairs and Global Health, Associate Professor of Medicine at TUSM Initiatives When it comes to diversity and inclusion, Tufts is working hard to listen and learn, create equal access to opportunities, and foster a climate in which students, staff, and faculty feel welcome to express their own identities and advance academically, professionally, and socially. Our initiatives, both past and present, help accomplish this and inform the creation of future ones. Programs and Research Opportunities We offer a multitude of programs that promote and address diversity and inclusion. These programs are available to K-12 students, undergraduates, graduates, professional students and faculty and staff. From research and educational opportunities to scholarships fellowships, and internships, our goal is to advance equity and access in all areas of study, to expose people of all ages to a vast array of professions, and to unlock their potential to succeed. Campus Resources One of the university’s priorities is to have a place where anyone can turn for guidance, help, information, and a genuine feeling of personal attention and inclusiveness. To that end, Tufts has created a community of support across all its campuses with a comprehensive network of resources for students, faculty, and staff.

Examples of trainings and activities for students: Tufts Students: #MyTufts Through on-camera interviews and interactive conversations, current students share insights and reflections on their student experiences at Tufts. Incoming students watch #MyTufts together during Orientation week to find out how their peers have made Tufts their own, and how they can begin to do the same. #MyTufts is co-presented by the Africana Center, Asian American Center, Campus Life, Digital Collections and Archives, International Center, Latino Center, LGBT Center, Office of the Provost, Residential Life, University Chaplaincy, and the Women’s Center. Faculty and Staff: Implicit Bias Training Research suggests that, despite our best intentions, our thoughts, decisions, and actions often show signs of bias. Attracting and hiring diverse talent requires a heightened awareness of implicit bias in the selection process. One of the many training programs and learning development resources Tufts offers staff focuses on bringing a greater level of objectivity to this important context. • The Jonathan M. Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service serves every student at Tufts University by supporting them to maximize their positive impact with communities on and off campus. Through advocacy, research, service, and many other opportunities, the school partners with students to identify engaging courses, avenues for mentorship, and activities that match their interests. • Orientation for incoming first-year undergraduate students includes two programs directly concerned with diversity. • The Office of Intercultural & Social Identities Programs (ISIP) engages students in an exploration of individual and group social identities. Through the lens of social justice education, ISIP highlights the importance of respecting and appreciating racial, ethnic, and identity diversity. • Specifically for graduate students, the Multi- Ethnic Graduate Alliance (MEGA) is a social and educational organization serving all Tufts graduate and professional students. The organization brings together students from all backgrounds and life experiences for social and educational events often planned by the students themselves. • The medical school and dental school provide mandatory online training programs for students to complete prior to undertaking work in their host communities. This training includes a heavy emphasis on personal social identity and sensitivity while working in diverse communities. This program is currently being adapted for the veterinary and nutrition schools. • Tisch College has created Civic Seed, a video game, to prepare students prior to engaging in community work. This game includes a heavy emphasis on personal social identity and sensitivity to working in diverse communities. Examples of trainings and activities for staff, including administrators: • The Office of Intercultural & Social Identities Programs (ISIP) offers infrastructure to staff from around the University for creating and promoting university-wide events, activities and resources for underrepresented groups. Examples of trainings and activities for faculty: • Tufts University’s Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT) is a central resource for faculty at all schools and divisions at Tufts. CELT promotes teaching innovation and supports teaching-related initiatives while collaborating and coordinating faculty development initiatives between campuses. CELT offers workshops, events, and an array of other resources.