Berkeleyan

Annual $30,000 grant established for faculty whose research or service contributes to diversity and equal opportunity

12 January 2006

Changes to the UC Academic Personnel Manual that went into effect last summer explicitly recognize diversity-related activities in faculty appointment and promotion. As stated in the revised policy: "These contributions to diversity can take a variety of forms including efforts to advance equitable access to education, public service that addresses the needs of California's diverse population, or research in a scholar's area of expertise that highlights inequalities."

In keeping with this approach, a new grant - the Chancellor's Award for Advancing Institutional Excellence - will be presented annually to distinguished Berkeley faculty members "for distinctive contributions and auspicious success in enhancing diversity and equal opportunity," according to Angelica Stacy, associate vice provost for faculty equity. "This award recognizes Senate faculty members who have successfully demonstrated a commitment to excellence by providing leadership in research, education, and public service in building an equitable and diverse learning environment."

Each recipient will receive a $30,000 grant to be placed in a departmental account for discretionary use by the awardee in continuing his or her work. Stacy's office is now soliciting nominations for the first year's grant; nominations must be received by Wednesday Feb. 22.

The Chancellor's Award for Advancing Institutional Excellence is intended to encourage continued success. Nominations are expected to emphasize recent concrete accomplishments in these areas, particularly those from which other faculty, departments, or programs can benefit. A nomination should highlight the extent of involvement and the overall contributions of the candidate, with illustrations of demonstrated leadership activities that further diversity and equal opportunity that may include:

. Mentoring undergraduate or graduate students who are members of groups underrepresented in their field and/or whose background and experiences contribute to campus diversity;

. Engaging in innovative research that enhances our understanding of race, class, gender, culture, and other equity issues affecting access and opportunity in our society;

. Creating curricula to enable the development of student intercultural competence to compete in today's global society;

. Creating effective strategies to address the barriers that prevent full participation of students from underrepresented groups in higher education and the professoriate;

. Developing or partnering with academic-preparation or -support programs that enhance the educational opportunities of underserved populations;

. Demonstrating exceptional committee service that has established policy or a process that will advance equity and diversity issues;

. Establishing partnerships with business and industry that will respond to mutual needs to foster diversity and equal opportunity in teaching, research, and service;

. Serving activities or organizations related to equity and diversity at the regional, state, or national level.

Each year recipients of the Chancellor's Award for Advancing Institutional Excellence will be recognized in a public ceremony and reception. Recipients will be honored this year at University House on April 19, 2006.

For more information about the award, including full nomination guidelines, visit facultyequity.chance.berkeley.edu/fellowships/chancellors_excellence.html or email admin.ofe@berkeley.edu.