Re: Commemorating Our Collective Work: AY 20-21 EDI Annual Report
To: All campus
August 10, 2021
Inspired. Invigorated. Amazed.
These words come to mind as I take stock of our campus’s efforts to become the national exemplar of a 21st century inclusively excellent institution. From the expansion of efforts to diversify the professoriate, to cross-campus initiatives centered on people first, to historical gifts inspired by UC Merced’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), AY 20-21 must also be remembered as a time of phenomenal growth in our capacity to carry out equity, diversity, and inclusion for the wellbeing and success of all campus constituency groups.
It is important to carve out moments in which we can ground ourselves and remember that despite the toll of a pandemic and uncharted demands of remote operations, EDI champions throughout campus have made concrete efforts to construct a substantial equity and justice infrastructure. The work around campus is significant and sets a powerful tone for bringing our first ever university strategic plan to fruition.
As we enter Fall 2021, and prepare to best serve our unique campus community, please take a moment to review the AY20-21 EDI Annual Report. I hope it inspires how you understand what our EDI commitment looks like and sounds like and emboldens your own contributions to our collective EDI efforts. I look forward to continued partnerships.
Always with you,
Dania Matos, J.D.
Associate Chancellor and Chief Diversity Officer
Pronouns: she/her/ella
