Faculty Fellow for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
About this Position
The Bruce K. Nelson Faculty Development Center and the Office of the Interim Associate Provost and Associate Vice President of Academic Programs and Initiatives are seeking applications for a quarter-time release Faculty Fellow to play a leading role in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programming for the FDC during for the 2024-25 academic year. This work speaks directly to the university’s Strategic Plan and its goal of helping Eastern Michigan University offer access and opportunity for excellence.
The specific duties of the Fellow will be as follows:
- Organize and coordinate approximately 6 programs during the year, concentrating on a diverse array of DEI topics, for the Faculty Development Center. As appropriate, at least some of these programs should be in collaboration with the Diversity and Community Involvement Office. The Fellow need not run all of these programs, but should be able to identify experts on campus who could lead them.
- Lead an extended Faculty Learning Community (or similar such group) on a specific DEI topic of the Fellow’s choice. The goal would be to enable participants in this learning community to become leaders on campus on that issue. The Learning Community should meet approximately monthly during the academic year.
- Consult individually with faculty interested in incorporating DEI approaches into their teaching.
- Offer guidance to the Director and staff of the FDC and consultation with the Interim Associate Provost and Associate Vice President of Academic Programs and Initiatives on effective strategies for enhancing the work the Center does with faculty on DEI.
To give you an idea about what could be done with this position, here are examples of what the first two people to hold this position did:
- In the 2022-2023 academic year, our Faculty Fellow, Uttara Manohar, facilitated a learning community titled “Equitable Educators,” which focused on developing cultural humility and creating inclusive spaces and equitable outcomes for all students. Dr. Manohar also curated programming on topics such as racial microaggressions, LGBTQ+ issues, and how to navigate controversial discussions in an inclusive classroom.
- During the 2023-2024 academic year, our Faculty Fellow, Audrey Farrugia, facilitated a learning community called “Disability is Diversity,” which explored issues of accessibility on campus. Dr. Farrugia also created programs on topics such as teaching neurodivergent students and working with faculty on how to address Letters of Accommodation from the DRC.
Moving forward, we are looking to expand on these ideas, as well as implement new areas of interest. The FDC takes a broad view of what diversity means and is interested in supporting faculty work in a wide range of topics under this broad heading.
Applications for the position are due by April 2, 2024, at 5 PM, and should be emailed to Jeffrey Bernstein, FDC Director, at [email protected]. Applications should include the following:
- A cover letter explaining your interest in the position, and what you feel you could bring to our efforts to enhance faculty expertise in DEI;
- A current CV;
- A description (around 500 words) of the learning community you would offer, how you would set it up, and the goals you would have for the participants in their work with students, and in their taking on a leadership role in this area;
- Any other information you would like to share that speaks to your ability to excel in this position.
Please email Jeffrey Bernstein at [email protected] if you have any questions about this position, or about your application for it.
Please email Jeffrey Bernstein at [email protected] if you have any questions about this position, or about your application for it.