A Message from Liz
"I am keenly aware that while the UI has made great strides in setting DEI standards, we are not without our challenges. I firmly believe the foundation and decisions we set forth can positively impact the UI now and for years to come. A key component of this is working with campus and community leaders on incorporating more transparency and accountability. I welcome the opportunity to listen to all members of the community, including underrepresented and marginalized groups, whose voices have not always been heard, and enact change where possible."
- Dr. Liz Tovar
Executive Officer and Associate Vice President Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Associate Athletics Director Academics at University of Iowa
About the Division
The Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion provides leadership and resources to support the University's diversity, equity, and inclusion goals, as articulated in the University of Iowa's strategic plan. The DDEI helps to coordinate the central diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and inform all parts of campus about opportunities happening across campus. The DDEI offices also assist efforts to recruit and retain faculty, staff, and students. The office's primary goal is to enhance a welcoming, respectful and inclusive campus environment for all.
The mission of the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion includes:
- Providing leadership and resources to advance UI’s diversity, equity, and inclusion goals
- Coordinating central diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts
- Advancing recruitment and retention of faculty, students, and staff
- Enhancing a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive climate for all
- Connecting with community diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts
The Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion consists of three units: The Center for Inclusive Academic Excellence (CIAE), The Office of Institutional Equity (OIE), and the Inclusive Education and Strategic Initiatives (IESI) unit. Each unit fulfills a need on our campus with regard to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Land and Sovereignty Acknowledgement
University of Iowa Acknowledgement of Land and Sovereignty
The University of Iowa is located on the homelands of the Ojibwe/Anishinaabe (Chippewa), Báxoǰe (Iowa), Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo), Omāēqnomenēwak (Menominee), Myaamiaki (Miami), Nutachi (Missouri), Umoⁿhoⁿ (Omaha), Wahzhazhe (Osage), Jiwere (Otoe), Odawaa (Ottawa), Póⁿka (Ponca), Bodéwadmi/Neshnabé (Potawatomi), Meskwaki/Nemahahaki/Sakiwaki (Sac and Fox), Dakota/Lakota/Nakoda, Sahnish/Nuxbaaga/Nuweta (Three Affiliated Tribes) and Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) Nations. The following tribal nations, Umoⁿhoⁿ (Omaha Tribe of Nebraska and Iowa), Póⁿka (Ponca Tribe of Nebraska), Meskwaki (Sac and Fox of the Mississippi in Iowa), and Ho-Chunk (Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska) Nations continue to thrive in the State of Iowa and we continue to acknowledge them. As an academic institution, it is our responsibility to acknowledge the sovereignty and the traditional territories of these tribal nations, and the treaties that were used to remove these tribal nations, and the histories of dispossession that have allowed for the growth of this institution since 1847. Consistent with the University's commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, understanding the historical and current experiences of Native peoples will help inform the work we do; collectively as a university to engage in building relationships through academic scholarship, collaborative partnerships, community service, enrollment and retention efforts acknowledging our past, our present and future Native Nations.
REVISED 03-05-21
