My role as VP Diversity:
Foster an inclusive, safe, and welcoming campus environment.
Represent and advocate for the needs of the diverse groups within the university.
Organise diversity related events and initiatives.
Mental Health campaigns and concerns
Accessibility needs and allyship
Joining or creating a society
Diversity and equality issues
Phone on 01902 322047
Email at UWSUdiversity@wlv.ac.uk
REPRESENTATION:
To increase representation and visibility of all diverse groups within the student union and throughout the university.
Identify where all our communities are lacking representation and support.
Promote the physical presence of liberation reps.
Continuous evaluation of the impacts of the actions already put in place.
ADVOCACY:
To advocate for policies and initiatives that promote equity and inclusion for all students regardless of their background, identity, or experiences.
Maintain strong communication with students and students’ representatives/ staff within these groups.
Advocate for accessible facilities and resources where not already considered.
Implement a bias/ sensitivity awareness campaign to address unconscious bias, cultural competency, and inclusive communication to foster an environment where all students feel valued and respected.
RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION
Assess the needs and barriers of students.
Evaluate the attainment gap.
Drop-ins/ visits to interact and evaluate current needs for retention.
Academic, financial, and social support, comprehensive support/ programs to address these needs.
COLLABORATION
Collaborate with relevant departments, university staff and partners for the different groups and societies. e.g liberation reps, EDI, Student support and wellbeing etc.
Establish clear and common goals for any collaborative projects.
Collaborate with societies and other student organizations to create joint initiatives that address specific diversity and inclusion issues.
SOCIALISATION
Organise events and programs that promote cross-cultural understanding and appreciation, to foster a more inclusive and cohesive community at our university.
Make sure to collaborate with societies on events.
Host regular “town hall” meetings or forums to provide a platform for students to share their experiences and concerns relating to diversity and liberation (if students are comfortable with that)
Implement mentorship programs that connect students from diverse backgrounds and students with diverse needs to support and empower each other.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Host regular drop-in sessions with students and liberation reps.
Student surveys.
Actively listen to student feedback and concerns and take action to address any issues related to diversity and inclusion that are brought to my attention.
Implement Liberation Officers.