UMB 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.

• 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.