Anti-Racism at SIUE

Dear Colleagues,

Continuing with our commitment to share updates related to the 78 Anti-Racism Task Force (ARTF) recommendations, we are pleased to detail the progress being made related to marketing and communications.

Communications Hub

ARTF Subcommittee 1 recommended the development of a highly visible, user-friendly online communication hub to allow individuals to find and utilize available diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) resources and keep abreast of DEI programming. We’re excited that this digital hub is in development, and will be included as part of the VCEDI divisional website. The website will feature a programming page that will offer up-to-date information about DEI-related events happening across the campuses and in the community. The website will also include a page offering a variety of resources to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across the University. The website will launch later this summer.

Marketing and Communications Roles

Another subcommittee recommendation involved establishing a DEI-related position within University Marketing and Communications (UMC) whose focus would be the organization and communication of DEI initiatives. Additionally, it was recommended that a full-time communications specialist be devoted to the East St. Louis Center. UMC has adjusted the responsibilities of multiple team members to ensure more dedicated coverage and client support to the VCEDI division and the East St. Louis Center. Assignments have been changed to designate a client relationship manager for the VCEDI division, and to allow a current team member to amplify their relationship with the East St. Louis Center into a full-time commitment. Additionally, a hiring search is underway for a graduate assistant who will assist with EDI efforts.

Leadership Messaging

ARTF subcommittee members made it clear that trust in us as campus leaders needs to be developed through active and consistent communication. It was also recommended that our messaging be shared in a variety of formats. We hope the increased weekly messaging on DEI and other topics is a strong step in a productive direction. As point people charged with managing the progress of specific recommendations, we will also offer monthly updates through the ARTF Dashboard, which will launch next week. Opportunities to directly engage with campus leaders and receive progress updates through additional modalities such as listening sessions, town halls, and signature events like our annual Diversity Summit, are forthcoming. 

We look forward to resuming our virtual Chancellor and Vice Chancellor Q&A sessions with a focus on the East St. Louis campus. The next session is scheduled for Tuesday, April 20 at 10 a.m. All are welcome to join. Questions, ideas or concerns may be sent in advance via the online suggestion box. Please register here. 

As always, we appreciate your feedback regarding how we can most effectively communicate action steps and connect with our campus colleagues.

Randy Pembrook, Chancellor   
Denise Cobb, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs   
Jessica Harris, Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Rachel Stack, Vice Chancellor for Advancement   
Morris Taylor, Vice Chancellor for Administration 
Jeffrey Waple, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs