Research for Real Life: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Resources for Faculty

When it comes to creating a sense of belonging on a decentralized campus, figuring out where to go for what is half the challenge. A new comprehensive directory helps.

Michigan Technological University’s new DEIS Where to Go for What directory covers everything from finding accessible technology to mentoring underrepresented faculty. Divided into three categories — diversity and accessibility, equity and advocacy, and inclusion and a sense of belonging — the resource lives under the policies tab on Michigan Tech’s ADVANCE Initiative website. Units across campus are welcome to share the directory on social media, in their departments and on their webpages.

ADVANCE is a multifaceted, multi-university National Science Foundation-funded initiative that promotes faculty retention, career success and STEM equity.

The directory was compiled by ADVANCE member and 2021 Michigan Tech Diversity Award winner Sonia Goltz, a College of Business faculty member whose research focuses on gender equity issues and related topics including social power and equity. Goltz started the list for a compelling reason: There is demand.

“I knew I had some expertise about the different resources all over campus for DEI efforts and I also knew others don’t always realize what is available and how to access it,” she said. “I always liked the Where to Go for What listing that was developed for students on campus and borrowed that format for disseminating this information.”

After sharing the initial draft with fellow faculty members and others across campus, she made revisions — and received additional affirmation. “One person I sought feedback from replied, ‘I hope you distribute this widely,’ which confirms the need for something like this,” Goltz said.

Goltz began developing the document in early 2022 as part of her work with the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Sense of Belonging (DEIS) Positive Action Team. The team, comprising staff, faculty and administrators and organized through the Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion’s office, focuses on fast-start campus-led initiatives that set the groundwork for future progress. Projects range from introducing campus welcome signs to a corporate speaker series and developing better understanding between public safety officers and the community.
Goltz and the ADVANCE team will continue to collect feedback and welcome suggestions for improving the directory. While tailored to academic units, there’s a great deal of generally helpful information for anyone. And, the hope is that the listing can serve as a springboard to personalize where-to-go-for-whats for other distinct campus groups within the Michigan Tech community, from visiting Summer Youth Programs participants to new staff members. Because different people consume information in different ways, a print version of DEIS Where to Go For What is envisioned, which may include QR codes or other ways to digitally access the material.

Michigan Technological University is a public research university founded in 1885 in Houghton, Michigan, and is home to nearly 7,500 students from more than 60 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan’s flagship technological university offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, computing, forestry, business, health professions, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts. The rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure.