STRATEGIC GOALS

Theme 2 – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The faculty, staff, and students of SECCM recognize the importance of using innovative mechanisms to create an atmosphere where all are welcome and feel a sense of belonging. In line with broader RWU efforts and in collaboration with partner offices, we will increase the knowledge and appreciation of the impact of diversity in our fields, inspiring our community for similar impact. Here, we reiterate our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:

The School of Engineering, Computing, and Construction Management is committed to promoting and celebrating the differences that contribute to the vibrancy of our community, fostering a space where all individuals can be their authentic selves, and following practices that allow and empower all community members to thrive.

Goal 2.A

To foster a welcoming atmosphere in which all SECCM community members feel a strong sense of belonging.

A sense of belonging – or a feeling of acceptance, inclusion, and support – for all members of an academic community encourages participation, improves performance for students, and increases the likelihood of longterm engagement for all interested parties. SECCM will make efforts to ensure that all members of our community – regardless of their background or affinity – feel welcome through faculty and staff training, programs highlighting the diversity of our fields, and efforts to increase the inclusivity of our community.

Goal 2.B

To foster a gender-inclusive community by actively recruiting and welcoming more female-identifying and non-binary individuals.

We recognize that participation in engineering, computer science, and construction management historically has been dominated by individuals that identify as male. This distribution still exists within the SECCM so we must take constructive, deliberate steps to change it. Examples include but are not limited to providing enhanced support to clubs such as the Society of Women Engineers and Women In Construction, actively engaging with diverse high school students through RWU admissions efforts, and encouraging applications to external scholarships and pursuing creation of internal scholarships that have the intent of promoting gender-inclusivity.