Diversity Fellows Program

Summary: The Diversity Fellows initiative is a new Presidential initiative to 1) recognize those that have demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion at NAU; 2) serve as NAU community leaders in diversity and inclusion providing a vision to institutional efforts in diversity and inclusion, and; 3) serve as liaisons to the NAU community in the implementation of the NAU Diversity Strategic Plan (DSP).

Structure and Organization: The Diversity Fellows will constitute a Diversity Fellows Council (8-10 in total) which is a council of knowledge experts who have demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion across the NAU community.

Eligibility: NAU faculty and staff are eligible and will be given equal consideration and evaluation.  This is an important differentiation from known existing university fellows programs that are limited to faculty appointments.  Diversity and inclusion leaders can and should come from throughout the NAU community to bride broad perspectives and bring unique experiences.

Responsibilities, Expectations and Appointment length(s):  Diversity Fellows will serve to provide vision to NAU in terms of diversity and inclusion activities and also serve as liaisons in the implementation of the DSP across the NAU community. Appointments are for three years with a potential one time renewal. Diversity Fellows will receive an annual $1,000 stipend from the President’s Office.

Advisory Committee to the President on Diversity and Inclusion: The Diversity Fellows will provide counsel to the President on diversity and inclusion initiatives including institutional vision, direction and logistical implementation of programs.

Diversity Strategic Plan Implementation: Diversity fellows will serve as DSP subject matter experts assisting colleges, academic, and classified staff units in implementing DSP initiatives into individual unit strategic plans thus aligning institutional diversity strategies.

Diversity Strategic Plan Assessment and Refinement: Diversity fellows will lead DSP evaluations and refinement processes including future iterations of the DSP.

Who Can Nominate/Be Nominated:  Nominations can be via self-nomination or nomination of others via the nomination form.  Any NAU non-student employee is eligible to nominate or be nominated.  (Students will have a separate process to be announced this academic year).  Nominees should have demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion.  This can be institutionally at NAU or externally in the greater community or on a regional/national level.

The Nomination Form: Nominations for the 20-21 appointments are due Tuesday, November 17th at 5:00 PM (Arizona Time).

Review Process: Nominations will be collected and sent to respective leadership (i.e Dean, VP, CSAC, SPAC, etc. ) for input and recommendations.  The Commission on Commissions (CoCom) members, consisting of Diversity Commission Co-Chairs, will review and make recommendations to the President.  The President will select Diversity Fellows in consultation with the CoCom Chair and Chief Diversity Fellow.

Announcements of selections will be made via the President’s Office to the NAU community.