Academic Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
In partnership with academic units across campus, the Office of the Provost leads and stewards a variety of initiatives that foster diversity and inclusion within our academic community.
Maintaining Linkages Initiative
The Maintaining Linkages Initiative seeks to cultivate meaningful connections between Notre Dame faculty and alumni from groups traditionally underrepresented in the academy who have completed, are pursuing, or are nearing the completion of doctoral degrees and who have received or may be seeking academic appointments at colleges or universities. At present, alumni who participated in the Building Bridges and Multicultural Student Programs and Services (MSPS) Scholars Programs as students who meet these criteria are invited to participate. Through a series of events including colloquia, lectures, and networking opportunities, the Maintaining Linkages Initiative builds community around the shared experience of life in the academy. Together as colleagues, Notre Dame faculty engage with the work our alumni scholars are leading and scholars participate in the University’s ongoing academic endeavors.
Our Futures Weekend
Hosted jointly by the Office of the Provost, Notre Dame Research, and the Graduate School, in partnership with the colleges and schools, the Our Futures Weekend program is designed as an opportunity to recruit and build authentic relationships with excellent faculty and graduate student candidates from groups historically underrepresented in the academy. Through a program of networking events, research presentations, and focused sessions on topics including the University’s Strategic Framework, applying for grants and fellowships, and how to amplify impact of one’s research agenda, prospective students and faculty are acquainted with the distinctive mission, educational experience, and research and scholarship activities of the University of Notre Dame.
Provost's Initiative on Faculty Mentoring
The Provost’s Initiative on Faculty Mentoring provides several faculty members each year with an opportunity to participate in the “Faculty Success Program,” a 12-week intensive mentoring experience offered as an online program by the National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity (NCFDD). The Faculty Success Program is facilitated by a cohort of tenured faculty members and is designed to equip faculty with the skills and strategies necessary to increase research productivity, promote effective time management, and maximize work-life balance.
Request for Applications, Fall 2024
Moreau Faculty Development Program
The Moreau Faculty Development Program seeks to increase the number of scholars who will contribute to the intellectual vibrancy, cultural competency, and research excellence of the University. Fellows engage in a comprehensive research, teaching, and mentoring experience.
Community-Building Experiences
Throughout the academic year, the Office of the Provost hosts events that focus on inclusion and belonging within the Notre Dame academic community.
The Welcome Celebration for Faculty and Students of Color, held annually at the start of fall classes, is an opportunity to build community and foster mentorship among faculty and incoming undergraduate and graduate students. It is a joyful celebration of incoming students’ hard work and the wonderful futures ahead of them within and beyond the University.
The Faculty of Color Community Dinner invites faculty to join in fellowship and strengthen professional connections while sharing a special meal.
Joint Programming
The Provost’s Office actively partners with units across campus to create opportunities for underrepresented faculty, academic staff, and allies to engage in diversity, equity and inclusion-related programming and events. Recent partnerships include “A Powerful Conversation with TSU President Glenda Baskin Glover, Ph.D., JD, CPA,” “Leading with the Power of Story: A Gathering for Women of Color and Allies,” and the Inclusive Leadership Colloquium Lecture Series panel and talks by Dr. Tia Brown McNair and Dr. Jennifer Ho.