Diversity Equity & Inclusion
In our engagement in engineering education and research we benefit strongly and unequivocally from our unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion, for all our constituencies, students, faculty and staff.
For engineering to remain society’s engine of innovation, we must change the conversation about what engineers do, who they are, and what they look like. We believe that changing perceptions about engineering is a necessity. By engaging our whole society in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, we increase our innovation capacity through the diversity of thought and ideas. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to the mission of the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, and we have made a number of significant efforts to enhance diversity in all sections of the engineering pipeline.
Representation Matters:
Increase pipelines and pathways to attract Black, Latinx, and Indigenous students, faculty, and staff with the goal of meeting or exceeding national averages.
Action Plan:
Review practices of attracting and recruiting students, faculty and staff in all Viterbi Academic and non-Academic Departments and Units.
Create and start implementing a specific plan for increasing representation in each department and unit.
In the process, follow the principles and recommendations of the Parity Objective.
Monitor the success of the implementation and of the efficacy of the plan and provide updates twice a semester.
Engagement & Support Matters:
Retain and support community of Black, Latinx, and Indigenous students, faculty, and staff.
Action Plan:
Review practices for developing and retaining students, faculty and staff in all Viterbi Academic and non-Academic Departments and Units.
Create and start implementing a specific plan for increased engagement and support including advising, mentoring, participation in high-impact programs, and promoting academic and career success in each department and unit.
Explore inclusive teaching practices to identify pedagogical strategies to promote equity, actively engage all students, and to reduce achievement gaps.
Explore collaboration with minority serving institutions and community organizations to collectively support research and innovation opportunities.
In the process, follow the principles and recommendations of the Parity Objective.
Monitor the success of the implementation and of the efficacy of the plan and provide updates twice a semester.
Equity & Inclusion Matters:
Promote an inclusive and equitable environment conducive for all members of the community to thrive and realize their full potential.
Action Plan:
Provide educational resources for students, faculty, and staff.
Review policies, norms, and procedures to promote equity-minded practices in all Viterbi Academic and non-Academic Departments and Units.
Create and implement plan to collect, monitor, and report data on demographics and experiences of students, faculty and staff.
In partnership with the University, enhance system for faculty, staff, and students to register concerns, communicate formal complaints, and receive neutral guidance and support.
Establish Employee Resource Groups to promote community building and cultural awareness.
Initiatives
John Brooks Slaughter Center for Engineering Diversity
K-12 STEM Center
Women in Engineering
Viterbi Summer Institute
REACH
Viterbi Black Employee Resource Group
Office for Diversity & Strategic Initiatives
Provide strategic leadership for initiatives to increase diversity and enhance experiences of students, faculty, and staff
Develop and foster partnerships to help advance national initiatives
Advise dean, faculty, and staff on complex matters concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion
Provide consultation to department chairs, faculty, search committees
Collaborate on research proposals to broaden participation of underrepresented populations
Serve as designated neutral; provide confidential, informal, independent and impartial assistance
Assist with diversity strategic planning and creating inclusive practices
Contacts
Leadership
Ken Bonner
Faculty Recruitment
Dr. Timothy
Pinkston
Dr. Malancha
Gupta
Student Success Initiatives
Traci Thomas
Navarro
Director
John Brooks Slaughter Center for Engineering Diversity
K-12 Outreach
Dr. Darin
Gray
Student Organizations
National Partnerships
USC Resources
External Resources
ASEE Dean’s Diversity Initiative
As chair of the ASEE Diversity Committee, Dean Yannis Yortsos led the effort that has now culminated in more than 220 engineering schools pledging participation.
https://diversityrecognition.asee.org/background/
To accelerate the achievement of the Diversity Pledge goals, the ASEE Diversity Recognition Program (ADRP) was created to publicly recognize those engineering and engineering technology colleges that make significant, measurable progress in increasing the diversity, inclusion, and degree attainment outcomes of their programs.
USC Viterbi was awarded exemplar status
https://diversityrecognition.asee.org/recognized-institutions/
Published on September 4th, 2020
Last updated on September 22nd, 2023
