Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice Committee (EDISJ)

Mission Statement

The College of Information, Data and Society Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice Committee (EDISJ) recognizes the value of diversity in persons and perspectives of the faculty, staff and students. The EDISJ Committee advances the conversation on issues related to equity and diversity and serves as a channel for social change. Our mission is to ensure a diverse, equitable, culturally conscious and inclusive environment among the academic departments in the College of Information, Data and Society, including all faculty, staff and students, through active dialogue and initiatives that promote the University’s commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence.

Purpose

Under the direction of the Associate Dean for Academics, the College of Information, Data and Society have set the following objectives:

  • Engage faculty, staff and students to support and promote diversity.
  • Create educational programming addressing issues of diversity.
  • Advocate issues of diversity for faculty, staff and students.
  • Promote understanding and appreciation throughout the College for all aspects of diversity.
  • Assess the College’s diversity, equity and inclusion plans.
  • Ensure College policies are inclusive and equitable, and promote diversity.
  • Work to remove systemic structural barriers or policies opposed to diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice.
  • Collaborate with existing University, College and student groups working to promote diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice.

Committee Charge

The EDISJ Committee seeks to increase awareness of equity, diversity and social justice and maintain an inclusive environment for the College's faculty, staff and students through:

  • Sponsoring activities and events for the College that celebrate and bring about awareness of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and social justice.
  • Creating professional development opportunities.
  • Recognizing faculty, staff and students who have demonstrated a commitment to diversity.
  • Publicizing information about diversity-related events within the College and throughout the campus.
  • Encouraging a wide spectrum of diversity within the College.

Committee Composition

The committee consists of representatives from each Department/School within the College of Information, Data and Society; one of the members will be chosen as the committee chair.

Committee Members: 2024-2025

  • Shih Yu Chang, Applied Data Science
  • Souvick Ghosh, School of Information
  • Ulia Gosart, School of Information
  • Darra Hofman, School of Information
  • Mohammad Masum, Applied Data Science
  • Michele Villagran, School of Information (Committee Chair)
  • Sandy Hirsh, Associate Dean for Academics (College Representative)