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Latinx Faculty & Staff Task Force shares efforts, 2030 strategic plan contributions

September 28, 2023

In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, IUPUI’s Latinx Faculty & Staff Task Force is sharing its efforts to study, report on and offer innovative recommendations to improve the experiences of Latine staff and faculty at IUPUI.

The task force, with 13 members across 10 units, was convened in January by Karen Dace, vice chancellor for diversity, equity and inclusion, and Gina Sánchez Gibau, associate vice chancellor for faculty diversity and inclusion. Co-chairs are Teresa Sosa, associate professor in the School of Education and director of equity education in the Office of Academic Affairs, and Emilio Robles, assistant professor in the School of Liberal Arts.

The group has hosted two social functions to give participants an opportunity to interact with other Latine faculty and staff outside their units and departments; enjoy delicious food; and, more importantly, share their experiences as members of the Latine community at IUPUI. A third event is being planned. Additionally, Latine campus members have been asked to complete a survey and/or partake in an interview to share their experiences. Graphic that reads LTF's charge and efforts contribute to IUI's 2030 Strategic Plan across it's three pillars.

The task force’s efforts also contribute to the IU Indianapolis 2030 strategic plan pillars: Student Success and Opportunity, Transformative Research and Creativity, and Service to the State and Beyond.

For example, the goal to “Improve Equity and Inclusion Across the Student Experience” can be enhanced for Latine students by fostering faculty and staff representation. Therefore, the task force is focused on recommendations to increase the presence, retention and promotion of Latine faculty and staff at IUPUI.

Additionally, recommending ways to communicate with and engage Latine faculty and staff in transformative research and creative activities can foster a culture of positivity and inclusivity, which is an objective of the pillar and the task force.

Those who identify as a member of the Latine community are being asked to complete an anonymous survey to contribute their voice and experiences to improving IUPUI.