Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Campus Climate Assessment

Dear Campus Community,

In order to continue our progress toward diversity, equity and inclusion at Furman, we must have courageous conversations about the experiences of our community members. It is in this spirit that I share with you plans to launch a comprehensive DEI Campus Climate Assessment this month. 

This two-part assessment will be led by our consultant, Trinity College’s Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Anita Davis, and her team. They will meet with students, faculty and staff in focus groups, and we will partner with the Higher Education Data Sharing Consortium (HEDS) to administer an anonymous Diversity and Equity Climate survey to all students, faculty and staff. Anita and her team will complete analyses of the results and provide recommendations in the spring.

Lisa Knight and Deborah Allen, co-chairs of Furman’s DEI Committee, will help our consultants to identify the focus groups, and our broader campus community should look for a survey invitation from furman@hedsconsortium.org on October 25. 

Your voice is important. Please take this opportunity to share your experiences with us. 

I am grateful for your cooperation and willingness to help us better understand our progress in diversity, equity and inclusion at Furman. We are committed to ensuring that our campus has an inclusive, engaging, and supportive environment, and your participation in these focus groups and the survey will help us work toward this goal.

Warmly,

Elizabeth Davis
President