DEI: Documenting the Journey Content

Why We Are Documenting the Journey

Tanya H Perez — July 27, 2021 - 5:49pm

As the leader of a remarkable group of individuals responsible for communicating and marketing on behalf of ΢��Ƶ, I’m pleased to launch this blog to document our collective commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion. Each of us in the Office of Strategic Communications will take a turn writing about our DEI actions and what we’re learning along the way.

Access Granted: Coding and Crafting Accessible Content

Tanya H Perez — June 15, 2022 - 8:00am

When most people, myself included, hear the phrase “online accessibility” they usually think first of including someone with visual disabilities. It makes sense, as the internet is largely a place to consume visual content.

Why Do We Ask For DEI Statements?

Tanya H Perez — January 14, 2022 - 10:47am

As ΢��Ƶ strives to welcome students who reflect the rich diversity of the state and beyond, we need to hire and retain faculty and leaders who can respect differences, honor collaboration and foster an inclusive environment.

Understanding That Communities Are Not Monoliths

Tanya H Perez — December 16, 2021 - 12:19pm

“Perdoname, cómo llego al Estadio ΢��Ƶ Health?”

I can only shrug my shoulders. Despite my surname and the color of my skin, I don’t speak Spanish.

(Fact: I used Google Translate to construct that first sentence.)

‘Humility is a Great Teacher If You Are Willing to Listen’

Anonymous — November 11, 2021 - 11:06am

When I started at ΢��Ƶ several years ago, I understood what it meant to find good-quality images for a website — how those images should reflect the content, and how they could elevate it and engage users. What I didn’t fully realize at the time was that the images I chose were a broader commentary on the makeup of ΢��Ƶ and the microcosm of the culture here.

STOO’-dents Leed by Ehx-AM’-pul

Anonymous — November 04, 2021 - 11:48am

But how do you say that?

Language Choice Should Not Be Unnecessarily Exclusionary

Tanya H Perez — October 28, 2021 - 2:43pm

Aspiring writers are admonished from using rote expression. Sometimes this triggers tricky questions even for experienced writers. Recently it was noticed our website described on-campus tours as “walking tours.” That word choice wasn’t made to belittle those who roll, but it was unnecessarily exclusionary. The fix was simple. Remove “walking.” No meaning sacrificed.

Ask HR to Help You Hire

Tanya H Perez — October 13, 2021 - 10:04am

As we work to infuse diversity, equity and inclusion into our everyday practice, the topic of hiring often comes up in the conversation.

How to (Not) Apologize

Tanya H Perez — October 07, 2021 - 10:00am

Communications is inherently human work, and inevitably, mistakes happen that cause harm. Understanding how to issue a sincere apology is important to caring for your community.

Numbers Don’t Tell the Whole Story

Tanya H Perez — September 23, 2021 - 12:33pm

Data is not everything. It might be a little bit ironic when this sentence comes from a data analyst, but this is how I’ve been feeling recently when talking to some students.

I also remember being told that “Ranking is important, but not that important” at the first focus group I attended at ΢��Ƶ. And I think it could be applied to our current situation, as well.