Diversity Achievement Award nominations due May 10

[ Editor's note: The nomination deadline has been extended to May 24. ]

Nominations are now being accepted for the Diversity Achievement Award at Western Washington University, which every year recognizes those who demonstrate outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion at Western.

Numerous initiatives are underway on campus to increase diversity and inclusion, and the annual award is part of that important movement, said Sue Guenter-Schlesinger, vice provost for Equal Opportunity and Employment Diversity at Western.

"At Western, we're identifying barriers and challenges that prevent people from fully participating and being successful in education and employment," she said. "It's important for us to recognize those who move these things along. It's especially important this year, because Western has risen to a new level in articulating the priority of value differences and inclusion."

The annual award recognizes a staff member, faculty member, student or office that demonstrates outstanding research, programming, leadership, service and/or teaching related to matters of diversity and inclusion. Winners must meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Integrates diversity concepts and the values into academic curriculum, management and/or operational functions
• Develops methods for increasing and valuing diversity among students, faculty and/or staff
• Maximizes opportunities to achieve diversity
• Contributes to promoting an understanding and appreciation of differences by contributing to the body of research on diversity or through other endeavors

To submit a nomination, write a letter (not to exceed three pages) addressing one or more of the listed criteria and send it to the Equal Opportunity Office in Old Main Room 345, mailstop 9021.

The nomination deadline is Friday, May 10.

"There are so many people across campus engaged in such significant efforts in this area," Guenter-Schlesinger said.