STRATEGIC THEME 5
Improve and strengthen institutional climate .
Rationale
A healthy university requires a campus climate and culture where all are respected and valued for their talents , diversity of ideas and backgrounds . As an institution committed to excellence , a university must embrace the highest ideals for human cooperation , cohabitation and community . Universities are not merely the marketplace of ideas and scholarly pursuit , but a place where students , faculty , and staff ought to feel safe to unleash their creativity in furtherance of the university mission . Thus , concepts such as working across differences or “ Sawubona ” ( a common Zulu greeting that means “ I see you ”) are key . In this spirit , a diversity agenda must embrace the tenets of respect , equity , support , inclusion and representation . The adoption of equity-minded practices and other deep cultural changes at an institution requires individual and institutional recognition of a need to change , and structures that support inquiry , reflection and action . Understanding the potential of institutional research and assessment to support such change can stimulate significant change in institutions of higher education . In response to the need of an increasingly diverse nation , colleges and universities in the United States are compelled to address the issues of diversity , inclusion , equity and social justice that are so fundamental to an enduring and vibrant democracy .
The implementation of the 2016-2020 Strategic Plan has brought notable national limelight to CDU . For the first time , CDU was ranked by the Chronicle of Higher Education as the second most diverse student body among the nation ’ s private non-profit colleges and universities . In the recent Chronicle of Higher Education Almanac , CDU was ranked first for faculty diversity among the same sector of institutions . CDU is perhaps the only institution in the nation that embodies the demographic characteristics of HBCU , HBGI , HSI and ASI . The health disparities highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed the capacity of our university to remain relevant and respond effectively to the needs of our students , faculty and staff as well as the surrounding communities in South Los Angeles . Accolades resulting from external assessment strengthen CDU ’ s position as a recognized highly diverse institution .
In the coming years , CDU not only needs to continue to maintain its rankings , but also ensure that the campus is and remains a model of a welcoming and affirming institution to all , irrespective of ethnic and cultural backgrounds . The University must remain committed to promoting an environment that appeals to the best in all of us by fostering a CLEDIC campus that honors Community , Leadership , Excellence , Diversity , Integrity , and Compassion . Our mission to serve the underserved requires a special understanding and appreciation of humanity , even as we hold each other to the highest performance possible . Consequently , in the next five years , the University will invest in programs and practices that enhance sense of belonging , embrace differences , improve reward systems and celebrate personal contributions as well as our mosaic .
STRATEGIC GOAL 5 : CDU will be known as a welcoming , safe , inclusive , and affirming institution that embraces and celebrates diversity of all people .
Strategic Objective 1 : Continue to improve and enhance shared governance across the campus .
Strategic Objective 2 : Strengthen CDU ’ s total compensation package and practices to include annual cost of living adjustments .
Strategic Objective 3 : Enhance campus constituents ’ professional development infrastructure , resources , and opportunities to include job enhancement , professionalism , and personal wellness and growth .
Strategic Objective 4 : Cultivate healthy and positive communication strategies and leadership development to foster collaboration among stakeholders .
Strategic Objective 5 : Adopt campus practices to make CDU a model of a welcoming , inclusive campus as well as an employer of choice ; and sponsor campus events and celebrations to foster community spirit and campus pride .
CDU 2021-2026 STRATEGIC PLAN | PG . 15