In 2015, President Mark Schlissel committed to enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion at U-M and challenged leaders in every school, college and academic unit to develop a strategic plan for their area to set and meet goals in response to their individual needs. After a period of engagement, data collection and analysis, 49 separate documents were developed and helped shape a comprehensive campus-wide plan of action.

In response to the great demands for training, skill development and facilitated discussions clearly identified in those plans, UHR Learning & Professional Development (now Organizational Learning), Michigan Medicine Office of Health Equity and Inclusion, Student Life and the Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office partnered to present a comprehensive resource to the community.

This initiative seeks to create a climate that welcomes differences among people, resulting in a vibrant, creative university community where people’s differences contribute to furthering learning and advancements in all fields of study.

The education and training effort seeks to:

• Create an educational system for diversity, equity and inclusion that is accessible to all staff and units, at all locations, at U-M
• Utilize the experience and expertise of multiple parties from Michigan Medicine, Business and Finance, UHR, Student Life and Intergroup Relations to craft a university-wide training curriculum
• Create increased capacity in current training efforts and the ability to expand offerings over time

In order to ensure access, the university is providing training opportunities and other resources at no cost to departments.