Take a Closer Look
Becoming More Inclusive and Diverse 12424 Research Parkway Research Pavilion, Suite 169 http://www.diversity.ucf.edu
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About Us The Office of Diversity Initiatives was established in 1994 to support the University of Central Florida’s 4th strategic goal, “To become more inclusive and diverse.” We work to make diversity and inclusion visible and active elements that indelibly permeate the life and values of the UCF community. Our students, colleagues, and constituents represent diverse peoples and perspectives across multiple generations.
Mission The mission of the Office of Diversity Initiatives is to assist UCF in reaching its strategic goal of becoming more inclusive and diverse by facilitating processes and programs that promote social justice, enhance cultural competencies, and develop capacious leaders.
Vision Our vision is to position UCF as a center of excellence that is widely recognized as a model for its attitudes, policies, and practices in the areas of diversity, inclusion, and leadership.
Motto “Diversity Includes All of Us–All The Time.”
Definitions Diversity and Inclusiveness President John C. Hitt established the UCF goal of becoming more inclusive and diverse and shared his perspective on diversity and inclusiveness as follows: “The difference between diversity and inclusiveness is that diversity is a fact– we would be just as diverse if we all hated each other– it involves factual things like race, ethnicity, religion, gender, etc. But, inclusiveness is more of a subjective state of mind where people feel valued, respected, and appreciated. They have a sense of their own identity within the university and feel that the university is theirs. They are ‘of it as well as in it.’ There is a sense of belonging and ownership. Related to this is that learning can occur nearly anywhere, but the real development of people occurs in a nurturing and supportive environment.” Diversity The unique human characteristics that make us different as well as the many universal qualities that make us the same. Inclusion The process of creating environments of acceptance and respect where diverse individuals are present and thriving at all levels. Cultural Competency The ability to function effectively in the presence of social-cultural diversity.
Programs and Services Workshops (selected titles) ABCs of Diversity Communicating Across Cultures Diversity Certificate Series DOTS—Understanding Your “Hidden” Biases Interrupting Bigotry The Illusion of Inclusion Understanding Power and Privilege Programs and Projects Diversity Week UCF Community Veteran’s History Project Partnership
Leadership Roles and Councils President’s Multicultural Advisory Council Diversity Champions for Strategic Planning Faculty and Staff Development Faculty and New Employee Orientations Leadership Enhancement Program Faculty Development Summer Conference — Diversity Track Diversity Faculty Fellow Partnership with the Faculty Teaching and Learning Center Annual Leadership Institute
Student Development LEGACY Leadership and Mentoring Program Student Orientations and Workshops
Presentations (by request) Classes and Organizations Conferences, Meetings, and Retreats
Information and Resources Individual and Group Consultations Print and Video Resource Library Inclusive Communication Guide Website: http://www.diversity.ucf.edu
Fast Facts The Office of Diversity Initiatives: Facilitates over 300 workshops on more
than 120 topics reaching over 7500 participants annually. Cultivates relationships with influential indi-
viduals, educational institutions, businesses, and social justice organizations in support of the UCF goal to become more inclusive and diverse. Provided the impetus for the development
of the UCF Summer Faculty Development Conference and continues to sponsor a conference diversity track on curriculum transformation. Played a substantial leadership role in the
development of 21 cultural competencies for UCF undergraduate education. Designs and implements the Leadership
Enhancement Program for members of the UCF faculty and staff in partnership with Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Sponsors the LEGACY Leadership and
Mentoring Program for students which focuses on scholarship, identity development, leadership, career development, and community service. Initiated the activities that led to the creation
of the UCF Community Veterans History Project. Hosted the Florida Diversity and Leadership
Conference at UCF in 2010 and 2011. Received
diversity awards from the Beacon Network, Seminole State College, and the UCF Division of Student Development and Enrollment Services.
Was awarded an unsolicited grant from
Google to support the mission and goals of the unit.
The symbol of the Office of Diversity Initiatives is the “Unity Star.” This multifaceted, multidimensional image was inspired by the solitary star that appears above the Pegasus, the University of Central Florida’s official symbol that represents the university’s motto, “Reach for the Stars.” The Unity Star is an illustration of the transformative power and enhanced creativity that occurs when organizations fully utilize diverse perspectives. The Unity Star can be presented in various sizes, colors, shadings, and arrangements symbolizing humankind’s many similarities and differences.
Office of Diversity Initiatives P.O. Box 160031 Orlando, FL 32816-0031 Phone: (407)-823-6479 Fax: (407)-823-6480 http://www.diversity.ucf.edu