2011 Best-in-Class Workforce Diversity Nonprofit/Government


Case Western Reserve University has created a multifaceted approach to build and maintain a diverse and inclusive student body, faculty and staff. The positive impact of this effort is reflected in its 2011 workforce data: 31 percent of the University’s workforce is diverse, along with 37 percent of newly hired employees.

These numbers compare with averages of 24 percent and 27 percent respectively in these categories within the comparison nonprofit/government group. Components of the university’s strategy to build and maintain a diverse workforce include:

  • A two-pronged mentoring initiative: (1) senior faculty members are paired with underrepresented tenure-track faculty and new faculty members; (2) new staff mentoring including on-boarding and development of opportunities to promote employee retention;
  • The university’s Diversity Leadership Council, a cross-department group of faculty and staff that promotes dialogue, provides resources and oversees the implementation of the Diversity Strategic Action Plan (DSAP);
  • Input by three diversity-related employee groups—the President’s Advisory Council on Minorities, which advises the president and provost on diversity issues and current policies; the President’s Advisory Council on Women, which provides insight to the president on the campus environment as related to women; and the Staff Advisory Council, which serves as an advisory group for both the administration and staff, giving feedback on policies, and identifying issues that affect the university and the people it serves.
  • Recruitment and retention intervention focused on underrepresented staff and faculty and included in the DSAP. Current activities include formal training on unconscious bias for hiring managers, supervisors, and selection committees, professional development opportunities for women and underrepresented groups, and an initiative to identify potential candidates for promotion and advancement.
  • A welcoming reception hosted by the Office of Inclusion, Diversity and Equal Opportunity (OIDEO) at the start of the academic year for underrepresented faculty, staff, and students to welcome them, provide support and develop relationships;
  • A talent retention effort, Train the Champion, created by the OIDEO. The eight-month program for faculty and staff included monthly meeting covering various aspects of diversity, opportunities for frank, sustained dialogue in order to develop champions of diversity on campus.

“Diversity is essential to the rich academic and social environment that Case Western Reserve University now enjoys. We strive to build a culture of inclusion, creativity and respect to benefit all the members of our community.”

Barbara R. Snyder
President
Case Western Reserve University