Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee
The School of Music is fully committed to the goals for diversity as outlined in the University of South Carolina's Strategic Priority No. 4: Increase Diversity from For South Carolina: A Path to Excellence.
- Improve the relative racial/ethnic and gender representation of our student body, staff and faculty.
- Ensure that there is equity for all students and staff and faculty members across key measures of success.
- Create, promote, support and assess a campus culture/climate that embodies our Carolina Creed and makes every member of our university community feel that they are valued and affirmed.
For achieving its goals, the School of Music has adopted guidelines borrowed from The Chronicle of Higher Education.
1) We will take ownership. We will not assume that everything is fine and that all of the problems are somewhere else. If ignored these may become our problems.
2) We will involve the entire faculty, not just selected individuals. The faculty is the most critical part of the team. Administrations change and students cycle through with regularity. The faculty is more stable and has the greatest influence in hiring/retention of faculty, admission of students and establishment of curriculum.
3) We will engage students. A survey by the American Council on Education indicates that college presidents are putting more emphasis on diversity-related curricular reforms because students say it is important to them.
4) We will have the tough conversations. We are ready to discuss diversity and inclusion issues openly with students, faculty and administration. It is difficult to address student concerns without a full understanding of the underlying issues. We must also realize that it is rarely possible to achieve changes as quickly as students would like. Regular communication is essential at all times.
5) We will hold people accountable. Diversity and inclusion goals do not end with a mission statement. They begin with one. We are in this together. Success or failure is our responsibility.
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.
The USC Office of Access and Opportunity is dedicated to creating the most positive and supportive environment possible for students, faculty and staff.