Strategic Framework for Advancing DEI at Fisher
St. John Fisher University has defined DEI and our strategic direction to include one thing—fostering a culture of belonging.
Our strategic framework for fostering a culture of belonging compliments Fisher’s strategic plan and priorities that include an overall strategy goal to include all and exclude none. To acknowledge Fisher’s practice and strengthen its inclusive excellence reach, we endeavor to promote DEI at Fisher across three specific areas:
As we advance DEI through these three priorities and additional goal areas, we've outlined actions in progress now through 2025.
Inclusive Talent Management
Our specific actions include:
Promoting DEI in Hiring
Leverage an applicant tracking system to promote a diverse candidate pool. Continue DEI training for hiring managers and selection committees.
Infuse DEI in onboarding and orientation.
Developing Cultural Competency
Develop DEI components for faculty and staff annual evaluation.
Cabinet members complete the Belong network micro-credential.
Commit to the Council of Independent Colleges initiative, “BELONG.” All managers participate in the Belong network micro-credential.
Program and Community Outreach
Our specific actions include:
Creating and Maintaining an Inventory of Partnerships
Inventory current programming supporting our surrounding community and develop recommendations for expanded partnerships.
Inventory nonprofits and community programs including stated goals that align with Fisher community engagement to expand mutually beneficial partnerships, and in partnership with the Institute for Civic and Community Engagement.
Nurturing Achievement in Higher Education
Review Urban Scholars data to understand its purpose and make recommendations around its effectiveness, mission, and goals.
Identify potential partnerships with other city-based schools and community-based programs and their goals around college achievement.
Student Success
Our specific actions include:
Fostering a Success-Oriented Mindset
Foster and develop a success-oriented mindset, sense of belonging, and access to institutional data that foster and develop academic success.
Using a DEI Lens to Review Academic Initiatives and Opportunities
Review the impact of academic initiatives through a DEI lens (e.g., library renovation, iPads, classroom redesign, departmental curriculum revision, and FisherLink).
Audit participation in and access to academic opportunities (e.g., internships, transportation, parking, clothing, summer programming, mentoring, learning communities, and academic-focused clubs and organizations).
Identify professional standards by which the institution will assess and adopt policies, processes, and operations through a DEI lens.
Additional Goal Areas
Expanding Fisher's Commitment to DEI
Facilitate the ongoing integration of DEI into the strategic plan.
Assess membership and primary function of the Inclusion Council.
Aligning Curriculum and Pedagogy
Review Fisher Core Curriculum in collaboration with the School of Arts and Science to embed DEI principles into the Core.
Create a role for a DEI Fellow to align faculty education and professional development.
Strengthening Our Community of Belonging
Support the Interfaith Learning Circle and extend interfaith dialogue and program offerings to include discussions with members of the Indigenous community.
Prepare the University for the Campus Climate Study in spring 2024.
Serve as a resource supporting SGA’s resolution on gender-inclusive restrooms.
Encourage “Belong” Community credential participation across the University with all constituents.