Diversity, Equity, and InclusionUMB senior leadership appointed a Diversity Advisory Council (DAC)/Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) representative to each Focus Area. These individuals are participating in a larger DEI COVID-19 Work Group. Multiple individuals participating in your focus area likely have a DEI lens. However, please consult with your DAC/DEI representative or the Work Group for feedback on specific items. The DEI COVID-19 Work Group compiled the following strategies for Focus Area Leaders and Teams to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion during COVID-19 recovery planning and response.

 

Strategies for Focus Area Leaders & Teams

  • Focus Area leaders should meet with your DAC/DEI representative/s to discuss specific areas where their perspective and/or assistance would be vital.
  • The Focus Area leaders can ask their DAC/DEI representative to consult the DEI COVID-19 Work Group to request feedback or assistance with specific items.
  • Each of the Focus Area leaders and members should download and review the COVID-19 DEI Crisis Action Strategy Guide: Recommendations to Drive Inclusive Excellence (Williams, 2020).
  • Present the COVID-19 DEI Action Framework (Williams, 2020) to the individuals participating in each Focus Area. Periodically review the framework.
    • Make Culturally Relevant Decisions
      • Ask Strategic DEI Questions
      • Engage Diverse Voices
      • Gather DEI Data
    • Support Diverse Communities
      • Support Basic Needs of Students, Faculty, and Staff
      • Provide Emotional and Mental Health Support
      • Clarify Academic Policy and Next Steps
    • Communicate Intentionally and Inclusively
      • Show Empathy
      • Clarify the Big Picture
      • Give the Plan
    • Digitize Inclusive Excellence
      • Establish a Digital Leadership Foundation
      • Build Inclusive Digital Community
      • Apply Inclusive Online Learning Pedagogy
  • Develop formal mechanisms to ensure that DEI is a guiding principle in COVID-19 recovery and response. For example, Focus Areas could include diversity, equity, and inclusion considerations as a reoccurring agenda item. Also, include the COVID-19 DEI Action Framework (Williams, 2020) in each agenda.
  • Seek input from individuals who bring a diverse perspective prior to finalizing recommendations and when considering decisions that impact large numbers of individuals and/or if decisions may disproportionately impact a smaller or specific group.
  • Use inclusive language. For example, referencing physical distancing versus social distancing, when applicable. Physical distancing more accurately describes the need for physical separation due to COVID-19. It will be important for individuals to stay socially connected even as we separate physically. Two helpful resources: the pronoun website developed by Interprofessional Student Learning & Service Initiatives and inclusive language resources from the Writing Center.
  • Review and assess past COVID-19 efforts and identify areas where a DEI perspective is needed in the future and lessons learned.
  • Regularly administer surveys to collect anonymous feedback to gauge the effectiveness of actions and needs.
  • Consult with other institutions to learn how other colleges and universities are addressing similar items.
  • Partner with businesses and organizations in Baltimore to address needs, which could include purchasing meals from vendors in the local community and hiring locally. Contact the Office of Community Engagement and the Community Focus Area for suggestions and contacts.
  • Consider how your plan and recommendations will welcome individuals who are returning to campus and extend understanding for individuals continuing to engage in telework and virtual learning experiences.
  • The Work Group will share additional guidance on best practices and strategies, when developed and upon request.

DEI COVID-19 Work Group & DAC/DEI Representatives

  • DEI COVID-19 Work Group Chair

    Patty Alvarez, PhD, MS
    Assistant Vice President, Student Affairs
    University of Maryland, Baltimore

Members

  • Cherita Adams, MBA, MS
    Assistant Dean for Administration & Strategic Initiatives
    University of Maryland School of Social Work

    Aaron Betsinger, PhD
    Research Assistant Professor, The Institute for Innovation & Implementation
    University of Maryland School of Social Work

    Gregory Brightbill, MBA, MEd
    Leadership Education & Involvement Program Specialist
    Interprofessional Student Learning and Service Initiatives
    Staff Senate Representative
    University of Maryland, Baltimore

    Vanessa P. Fahie, PhD
    Assistant Professor, Organizational Systems and Adult Health
    University of Maryland School of Nursing
    Member, UMB Diversity Advisory Council

    Michele Hayes, JD, LLM
    Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
    University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law

    Courtney J. Jones Carney, MBA
    Director, Interprofessional Student Learning & Service Initiatives
    University of Maryland Baltimore

    Laura Kozak, MA
    Senior Associate Vice President
    Office of Communications and Public Affairs
    University of Maryland, Baltimore

    Matthew Lasecki, SPHR
    Associate Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Human Resource Services
    University of Maryland, Baltimore

    Deborah Levi, LCSW-C, MA
    Director of Educational Support and Disability Services
    University of Maryland, Baltimore

    Flavius Lilly, PhD, MA, MPH
    Vice Provost, Academic & Student Affairs
    Vice Dean, Graduate School
    University of Maryland, Baltimore

    Kyla Liggett-Creel, PhD, LCSW-C
    Assistant Clinica Professsor
    University of Maryland School of Social Work

    Andrea Morgan, DDS
    Director of Student Advocacy & Cultural Affairs
    University of Maryland School of Dentistry

  • Jill A. Morgan, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS
    Professor and Chair, Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science
    University of Maryland School of Pharmacy

    Donna L. Parker, MD 
    Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education
    University of Maryland School of Medicine

    Michael Pinard, JD
    Co-Director, Clinical Law Program
    University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law

    Isabelita Rambob, DDS
    Clinical Assistant Professor and Director, Behavioral Dentistry Course
    University of Maryland School of Dentistry

    Kristin Reavis, MD, MBS
    Assistant Professor, Family Medicine
    Director, Student Diversity and Inclusion
    Associate Residency Program Director
    Director, Maternal Child Health
    University of Maryland School of Medicine

    Diane Marie St. George, PhD
    Associate Professor
    MPH Program Director
    Vice Chair, Academic Programs, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health
    University of Maryland School of Medicine

    Patricia Scott 
    Assistant Vice President Enrollment Administration – University Registrar
    University Student Financial Assistance & Enrollment Services
    Office of Accountability and Compliance
    University of Maryland, Baltimore

    Elsie M. Stines, DNP, CRNP
    Assistant Vice President, Special Projects & Initiatives
    Office of the President
    University of Maryland Baltimore

    Sandra Quezada, MD, MS
    Associate Dean, Admissions
    Assistant Dean, Academic & Multicultural Affairs
    Associate Professor, Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
    University of Maryland School of Medicine