Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in ITS

We embrace a shared commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) - in our work with the Colgate community, and in the staffing and development of our IT organization. We strive to create an environment that provides equal access and supports diverse identities, experiences, beliefs, and skills. We also fully support Colgate’s Plan for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

ITS DEI Working Group

The ITS DEI Working Group seeks to surface and address issues of diversity, equity and inclusion as they relate to 1) the culture of ITS as an organization and 2) ITS’ engagement with faculty, students and staff at service-points across the Colgate community.

The DEI Working Group launched in Spring 2021 and has begun providing leadership in the following areas:

DEI Conversations

We host opportunities for staff to gather for casual conversations to explore the principles of DEI. Volunteers from the DEI Working Group facilitate these conversations with guiding questions and small group activities. Topics for conversation in Summer 2021 were identified through a group brainstorming activity and included:

ITS’ role in Colgate’s DEI plan
Critiquing the culture of the information technology field
Reflections on “inclusion stories” anonymously shared by IT staff
Practices for facilitating inclusive meetings

In Fall 2021, conversations were focused on selected chapters from the book What If? Short Stories to Spark Inclusion & Diversity Dialogue. Conversations are held every Friday morning.

Accessibility

The Accessibility sub-group works to raise awareness of ITS support for assistive technologies and digital accessibility issues among ITS staff. The group has developed an Accessibility and Inclusive Event Planning Checklist and will continue working to support and advocate for enhanced accessibility services at Colgate.

Hiring and On-Boarding

We have worked to adopt inclusive hiring practices, including analyses of job descriptions for inclusive language, anti-bias training for search committees and developing a welcoming on-boarding experience for candidates.

ITS now requires all candidates applying for positions to include a Diversity Statement with their application explaining their experiences, contributions, and/or commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion. If you are currently applying to an open position in ITS, review guidance on crafting a diversity statement for Colgate (from the Office of Equity and Diversity).