Pratt Institute is expanding its initiatives related to creating an inclusive and equitable community at the Institute with the establishment of diversity planning committees, new staff hires, a new Center for Equity and Inclusion, and a new area on Pratt’s website devoted to diversity-related news and information.
Through these initiatives, the Institute is continuing its commitment to further develop and support a diverse body of students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds who represent a variety of perspectives, values, experiences, and beliefs.
In 2010, the Institute established a Diversity Committee to assess and improve all areas related to diversity on campus. As a result of the Committee’s ongoing efforts, the Institute is developing a Diversity Strategic Plan to set priorities and specific objectives with the goal of increasing diversity and inclusion in the campus community.
Starting in fall 2016, four strategic diversity planning committees composed of Pratt community members have been charged to develop goals and objectives to facilitate progress in areas that include recruiting, retaining and graduating a diverse student body and hiring and retaining a diverse faculty and staff; creating an environment in which all students, faculty, and staff feel welcome; and expanding diversity and inclusion initiatives between Pratt Institute and the external community.
In order to coordinate its diversity-related efforts successfully across the college, Pratt will initiate a search in spring 2017 for a senior-level diversity officer who will lead that process. In addition, a search is currently underway for an Assistant Director for Diversity and Inclusion, a new position within Human Resources. Providing critical leadership and support for the Institute’s diversity initiatives, the Assistant Director will focus on recruitment and retention of faculty and staff, and act as an advocate for issues of diversity and inclusion within the Institute through training and development programs and other undertakings.
The Institute has also named Jazmin Peralta as Assistant Director of Special Projects for Equity and Inclusion, a new position within the Division of Student Affairs. Peralta, who assumed the position in August, is responsible for providing leadership and expertise on matters of equity and inclusion for the Division of Student Affairs, promoting a positive campus climate, and acting as an advocate for issues of diversity and social justice within the Pratt community.
Peralta will oversee the Institute’s new Center for Equity and Inclusion, which will serve as a safe space for students interested in coming together to address diversity-related issues both on and off campus. The Center will be housed in the Main Building across from the student affairs and student involvement office.
The Institute has also launched a dedicated area on its website to serve as a central source of information for its diversity and inclusion-related initiatives, policies, and progress. It includes a list of participants in Pratt’s Diversity Advocate program, in which more than 50 students, faculty, and staff have been trained to serve as advocates within their departments and organizations regarding issues of diversity and inclusion. The dedicated area of the website can be found at www.pratt.edu/diversity.