HIGHER EDUCATION
Diversity & Inclusion and Online Learning : Educating Future CEOs
Businesses will need to tap into a diverse talent pool to fill the jobs of the future .
Compiled by Miles Z . Epstein Editor , COMMERCE
COMMERCE ’ s Annual College / University Presidents Roundtable addresses the roles of diversity , equity , inclusion and online learning in today ’ s higher education . New Jersey ’ s top colleges and universities are training the business leaders of tomorrow and here ’ s how they are incorporating these skill sets and using them to build a better future for all .
Berkeley College By Michael J . Smith , President
Diversity and Inclusion intersect with our mission of empowering students to achieve lifelong success , with pathways to opportunities where their personal and professional identities and skills are valued . In preparing students of all backgrounds for careers , we emphasize credentials , competencies and confidence . Being at an institution where students feel safe , accepted and heard provides a fertile environment for teaching and learning . Earning a college degree is an important step in pursuing a career . The recent uptick of students applying to law school from various disciplines is one example of how Berkeley College , through its legal studies program , is helping students prepare
for law-related careers . This widens the diversity of representation in law and justice fields . The Berkeley College Diversity , Equity and Inclusion Task Force is providing inclusive , equitable and impactful insights to shape Berkeley College ’ s future . A campus climate survey will ensure the inclusivity of viewpoints , providing feedback to implement and build a thriving and equitable organization relevant to the alumni , students and the communities served by Berkeley College . As the pandemic proved that technology is indispensable in education for all , several hundred laptop computers were distributed to our students so that they could continue their education online in 2020 .
Bloomfield College By Dr . Marcheta P . Evans , President
As a teaching college and New Jersey ’ s only Predominantly Black and Hispanic-serving institution , Bloomfield College is investing in the development of its faculty as teacher-scholars and in online curricula design as one of its highest priorities in a time where online learning is paramount . A new task force is providing actionable recommendations grounded in best practices for a comprehensive Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning to ensure that faculty skills are at the forefront for teaching students the skills they need to learn to be prepared for the workplace of the future . A new Global Learning Task Force and a new Diversity , Equity and Inclusion ( DEI ) Task Force are examining all aspects of global learning and diversity , equity and inclusion to ensure we are infusing this understanding throughout the curriculum , co-curriculum and extra-curriculum to develop these workforce-ready skills in our students . The college has updated classroom spaces , including creating its first Teaching Studio to facilitate the creation and capture of online lectures creating a more-natural environment for online teaching and interaction with students , and is preparing the way for professional studies that meet employers ’ cyclical training needs for technology-driven work methods in an evolving labor market .
Caldwell University By Dr . Matthew Whelan , President
The pandemic changed the workplace and the face of higher education , but Caldwell remains focused on ensuring strong liberal arts offerings and professional programs , underpinned by our core values of respect , integrity , community and excellence . Students learn in both online offerings and traditional
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Diversity , equity and inclusion is getting a greater emphasis in higher education . 24 COMMERCE www . commercemagnj . com