The University's commitment to an equitable and inclusive University community is being expressed through a range of actions; in addition to policies and organizational changes and training and collaborative partnerships, these include the following new programs, events, and initiatives.
• Inclusive Community and Justice Fund. The University’s Innovation Fund of $50,000, bolstered by funds from the deans, was transformed into a new grant offering called the “Inclusive Community and Justice Fund,” awarded to projects across the University.
• Activist in Residence program. U of R Student Affairs, in partnership with University Advancement and the Office of the Senior Diversity and Inclusion Officer, is launching a one-week “Activist in Residence” program. Each fall and spring, the program will host an activist/thought leader/educator who is helping to elevate the dialogue and who has had an impact on systemic social issues. Invitees will engage with the campus and the broader Redlands communities during a week of structured opportunities for education and dialogue.
• Certificate program and other classes. The U of R School of Continuing Studies is offering a course on anti-racism and is creating a certificate program related to diversity, equity, and inclusion topics. A course is being created and specifically for the Redlands Police Department in conjunction with that group. A stand-alone anti-racism course is already in development.
• Alumni events. The Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations is offering a broad and diverse range of events and activities to better engage the entire Bulldog alumni base. Recently, Advancement worked with the senior diversity and inclusion officer to create a multi-part series of online events called Challenging Conversations on various aspects of the topic of race in America.
• Career development. The Office of Career and Professional Development is directing a portion of its unrestricted philanthropic funds to support career programming for Black U of R students and alumni. It will also increase the office's anti-bias training and create identity-based networking groups and events.
• NCAA Diversity and Inclusion designee. Athletics named Head Women’s Volleyball Coach Lisa Lindberg as the University’s National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Diversity and Inclusion designee and primary contact and conduit for diversity and inclusion-related information.
