Cross-institutional working groups are a valuable tool for gathering input, providing feedback for administrative decisions, enhancing campus climate and addressing community concerns. Working groups are created (in partnership with other relevant offices) when:

• There are indications of a cross-institutional climate or other diversity, equity and inclusion-related issue that would benefit from group assessment;
• There are benefits to gathering input in a structured way that takes advantage of diverse perspectives and expertise;
• There are opportunities to share information across functions, educate and build allies; and
• It is useful to create a sense of shared accountability.

Examples of working groups

Jewish Experience Working Group (2024)

• Collection and review of data related to campus climate for Jewish students, faculty and staff
• Review and recommendations related to educational programming and professional development on Jewish identity and antisemitism
• Consideration of communication strategies to improve transparency and accuracy of perceptions related to the Jewish experience and antisemitism on campus
• Read more about the working group's activities in the Fall 2024 update. 

Muslim Experience Working Group (2024)

• Collection and review of data related to campus climate for Muslim students, faculty and staff
• Review and recommendations related to educational programming and professional development on Muslim identity and Islamophobia
• Recommendations for enhancements of the Muslim student experience on campus

Transgender/Non-Binary Working Group (2015-2020; 2024-present):

• Systems updates regarding gender identity and preferred name data
• Updating of University policies and job descriptions to use gender-inclusive language
• Conversion of single-stall lockable bathrooms to gender-inclusive and creation of gender-inclusive athletics changing rooms
• Adjustments to undergraduate housing policy
• Updates to staff and student benefit options

Native and Indigenous Working Group (2021-present):

• Creation of Native American student affinity space
• Guidance regarding land acknowledgements
• Creation of historical marker
• Interactions with federal and state-recognized Lenape tribes
• Site visits to peer institutions
• Exploring data considerations such as enrolled tribal citizen status

Asian and Asian American Faculty Experience (2021-2023):

• Convened listening sessions
• Development of resources about foreign influence
• Organized educational webinars and piloted professional development workshops with administrative and academic units