OU Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Expanding
Over the last several months, teams across the University of Oklahoma have been working to better align programs and services to improve recruitment, retention, and resourcefulness for students, faculty, and staff. As part of this effort, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is expanding into the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Over the next several months, more than 20 OU employees and 15 student employees from the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), the Inclusion Council and the TRiO Programs – Project Threshold, McNair Scholars and Upward Bound – will transition to the new division, with all budgets transitioning at the beginning of fiscal year 2022 (July 1, 2021).
For the time being, these areas will remain in their current physical locations while spacing needs are assessed.
Dr. Belinda Higgs Hyppolite, vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer, is leading the expansion efforts and shared why this transition is important.
“This expansion will allow us to meet the growing needs of our campus community, particularly our efforts to prepare students for a life of success, meaning, service, and positive impact; to help make OU affordable and attainable; and to continue our pursuit of becoming a place of belonging and emotional growth for all,” she said.
The new division will offer high-quality outreach and engagement opportunities, provide resources, and offer workshops, training, and development opportunities on various topics, consultations, and more.
“OU’s collective efforts to truly change lives must focus on creating a culture where all community members can achieve success,” Hyppolite said. “As OU continues to implement our new Strategic Plan, we will continue to bring areas together for the greatest impact.”
Learn more about the division at ou.edu/diversity.
By Mackenzie Scheer
Article Published: Wednesday, May 5, 2021