Diversity at the University

Office for Faculty Development and Diversity

Vision Statement

The University of Rochester strives to reflect and celebrate the richness of diversity among individuals and groups.

Mission Statement

The mission of the OFDD and the Faculty Diversity Officers (FDOs) is to collaborate with University leadership and faculty to develop strategies that foster the hiring and retention of underrepresented faculty.  To achieve this mission, the OFDD and FDOs:

• Provide data and analysis to inform decisions by University leadership and other stakeholders in building the best possible faculty
• Provide opportunities for frank discussions to raise awareness among faculty about the current state of diversity and how it can be strengthened
• Facilitate dialogue across the University of Rochester community to foster a more inclusive culture
• Identify and encourage the implementation of best practices for faculty recruitment and retention

Office for Faculty Development and Diversity (OFDD)
Vivian Lewis	Maggie Cassie	Frederick Jefferson	Trina Viggiano	Kurt Zeller

Role of the Office of Faculty Development and Diversity

To support and improve the recruitment and retention of a diverse faculty, the Office of Faculty Development and Diversity:

Educates and challenges University leadership to embrace cultural change by:

• Serving as a liaison between the FDOs and senior leadership
• Providing persistent advocacy for faculty development needs
• Spearheading efforts to implement organizational change related to diversity and inclusion

Supports existing programs and establishes new leadership development initiatives by:

• Training and providing funding for FDOs to attend conferences on diversity in higher education
• Assisting new FDOs to become familiar with the role of the FDO
• Establishing a relationship of mutual accountability with each FDO
• Providing administrative support for monthly meetings, semi-annual workshops, and annual diversity conferences

Prepares and disseminates reports regarding diversity at the University of Rochester by:

• Conducting research and gathering data
• Creating a forum to bring people together to talk about ongoing research in diversity
• Identifying and disseminating resources related to grant and research opportunities

Supports faculty development and diversity by:

• Providing resources to schools and departments for diversity initiatives related to mentoring, cultural sensitivity and cultural competency
• Providing training and resources for search committees
• Administering the Special Opportunities Fund