RIT recognized for diversity and inclusion efforts

Rochester Institute of Technology’s work to establish a diverse and inclusive environment earned two awards from national organizations this fall.

For the second year in a row, RIT is being honored as an institution committed to diversity for 2018 by Minority Access, Incorporated. Minority Access is a nonprofit organization committed to increasing diversity, decreasing disparities and reducing incidences of environmental injustices. Each year the organization identifies exemplary colleges and universities whose commitment to diversity and efforts to implement it serve as an example for other institutions. Fewer than 200 colleges and universities nationwide were recognized by the organization this year. Minority Access will make a formal presentation in recognition of RIT’s commitment at their National Role Models Conference, Sept. 28–30 in National Harbor, Md.

RIT is also receiving a Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT into Diversity magazine for the fifth consecutive year. The award honors colleges and universities that show an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion across their campuses. RIT will be featured, along with 96 other recipients, in the November 2018 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity. Universities are measured based on the level of achievement and intensity of commitment in regard to broadening diversity and inclusion on campus through initiatives, programs and outreach; student recruitment, retention and completion; and hiring practices for faculty and staff.

“We are humbled to be recognized as an inclusive, forward-thinking university that can serve as a role model for others,” said Keith Jenkins, RIT’s vice president and associate provost for diversity and inclusion. “While work remains to be done, clearly our leadership and scholarship programs, academic support initiatives and dedicated educators are making a difference. Our focus remains on collaborating across the university and with the greater Rochester community to enhance access and success for our students, faculty and staff.”

Earlier this year RIT was named a Diversity Champion by INSIGHT Into Diversity for the fourth consecutive year. The magazine named RIT a Diversity Champion for its cumulative efforts in the area of diversity and inclusion throughout its campus communities, across academic programs and at the highest administrative levels. RIT was one of the first colleges and universities in the nation to receive this designation given by INSIGHT into Diversity.