The following five tips will help college and university presidents remain committed to supporting DEI on their campuses:

Don't assume. First of all, the most helpful piece of advice a president can take at this moment is to not make assumptions about where DEI currently stands on your campus. Take a closer look and investigate first-hand to offer leadership and guidance based on reality, not second-hand information, aspirational planning or hopeful thinking.
Remember the why. Consider and focus on who DEI helps. Think about how best to support all marginalized students. This will breathe life into the process and help establish and maintain momentum. These programs are all about creating change that supports students' success.
Consider the mission. Integrate DEI or DEIB into your college or university's mission statement. If it's already there but isn't spelled out as clearly as it should be, make it clear and make it obvious. Use the institutional mission to link DEIB to planning, resource allocation, general education goals, and support for the student experience.
Ask specific questions. To better inform yourself, senior staff and others, ask the following question: How does your institution communicate, through action, its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Once you have the answers, the next step is to ask: How do you think your institution SHOULD communicate a commitment to DEI/DEIB through action?
Look for where the action is and fill in any gaps. While it's good to investigate best practices at other higher-education institutions, look for existing pockets of initiative on your campus to better understand what is already working. These successful initiatives will help you to determine what to support and might benefit from your additional help and leadership right now.

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5 tips for college and university presidents to support diversity, equity and inclusion

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