Diversity Initiatives in Faculty Affairs and at the University of Washington

The recruitment and retention of traditionally underrepresented groups in the faculty at the iSchool is a top priority of Faculty Affairs. Working with the iSchool's Diversity Programs Coordinator, the UW Vice-Provost for Faculty Advancement, and others, Faculty Affairs addresses systemic barriers and roadblocks through changes in policy and practice and in dialogue with the faculty and the community. Below are three of our ongoing programs.

Women’s Caucus

Each year Faculty Affairs supports women-only working lunches. The purpose of this is to support women faculty at all ranks, surface concerns and structural issues that affect their professional life. The discussions are summarized and presented anonymously to the Director for Faculty Affairs as work items and when appropriate taken to the Elected Faculty Council.

Recruitment Programs

The iSchool has invested resources in reaching out to scholars from traditionally underrepresented groups. We align recruitment and retention practices to help diversify the faculty and build an inclusive intellectual community.

Family Matters

In collaboration with faculty we are developing best practices that provide a supportive workplace for faculty with young families and for nursing parents. 

University of Washington is Member of the NCFDD

The University of Washington has established an institutional membership with the National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity (NCFDD) for 2014-15. NCFDD offers an external mentoring community program designed to support the success of all UW faculty, post-docs, and advanced graduate students at the Seattle, Bothell, and Tacoma campuses. NCFDD services are designed to increase productivity through workshops and multi-week courses that offer professional development support. The UW’s institutional membership is managed by the Office for Faculty Advancement. UW faculty, post-docs, and advanced graduate students are encouraged to activate their UW membership accounts and take advantage of this unique opportunity.

Greater Washington State Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (GWS HERC)

The University of Washington is at the forefront of a new collaborative effort to help institutions recruit diverse faculty and staff and assist dual-career couples seeking employment throughout the state. The UW, along with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, launched the Greater Washington State Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (GWS HERC) in October 2013. The GWS HERC provides resources to employers seeking talented and diverse employees and assists jobseekers looking for work, including couples seeking employment in similar locations. The UW Office for Faculty Advancement manages the consortium.