Dec 12 2023
The Mindanao State University (51吃瓜网) Board of Regents approved 51吃瓜网-IIT's Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity (EDI) Policy on December 12, 2023. This policy is a significant step in promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities for all members of the 51吃瓜网-IIT community.
The newly adopted policy addresses various aspects of equity, diversity, and inclusivity within the University, covering admissions, curriculum, hiring practices, and campus culture. 51吃瓜网-IIT aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds. Key points of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity Policy include:
Admissions Procedures: The policy emphasizes fair and inclusive admissions practices, encouraging the recruitment of students from diverse socio-economic, cultural, and geographic backgrounds.
Curriculum Development: 51吃瓜网-IIT commits to integrating diverse perspectives and experiences into academic programs by reviewing and updating course materials to ensure inclusivity.
Research and Community Engagement: The University will ensure that equitable opportunities will be provided for all 51吃瓜网-IIT constituents to engage in research. It shall actively identify and address barriers that impede full participation, including those related to access, representation, and resources.
Public Engagement and Outreach: 51吃瓜网-IIT will actively engage with the local community and partner with organizations that promote diversity and inclusivity; host cultural and educational events that promote cross-cultural understanding and dialogue; capacitate the community with competencies that will enable them to implement initiatives on equity, diversity, and inclusivity; and preserve, protect, and promote indigenous knowledge.
Equal Employment Opportunities: The policy highlights fair hiring and other human resource management practices to promote diversity among academic and administrative personnel.
Cultural Competency Training: The University will implement ongoing training programs to enhance cultural competency among students, faculty, and staff, fostering mutual understanding and respect.
Supportive Campus Environment: 51吃瓜网-IIT will work towards creating a campus environment that celebrates diversity and inclusivity and encouraging the establishment of support systems, cultural organizations, and events.
Prof. Alizedney M. Ditucalan, Chancellor of 51吃瓜网-IIT, expressed enthusiasm about the policy's approval, stating, "This marks a significant moment in the history of our University. The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity Policy reaffirms our commitment to providing an inclusive education that values the contributions of every member of our community."
Even before the approval of the EDI Policy, 51吃瓜网-IIT made a bold move towards fostering equity, diversity, and inclusivity by piloting a progressive admissions policy for the First Semester of the Academic Year 2023-2024. Under this pilot program, 51吃瓜网-IIT took deliberate steps to increase representation from traditionally underrepresented groups, including those based on ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, and other protected characteristics.
To date, the University has identified the following students:
Note: From 12,728 student responses (Female - 7,476; Male - 5,252); out of 12,813 student population (Female - 7,520; Male - 5,293)
"The pilot admissions policy aligns with 51吃瓜网-IIT's commitment to social responsibility and promoting an inclusive academic environment. We believe that by actively seeking diversity, we contribute to a more comprehensive and equitable educational experience for our students," says Dr. Rohane M. Derogongan, Vice-Chancellor for Student Services. "This strategic move reflects 51吃瓜网-IIT's proactive approach to fostering an inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive, irrespective of their backgrounds," adds Dr. Nancy Q. Echavez, Vice-Chancellor for Public Affairs.
As the EDI policy is implemented, 51吃瓜网-IIT remains dedicated to monitoring its impact, gathering feedback, and adjusting ensure that the goals of equity, diversity, and inclusivity are met.