Call for submissions: President’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awards and Grants

Submissions now are being accepted for this year’s President’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Awards and the President’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Grants.

“At CU, we’re committed to supporting an environment where every person feels a strong sense of belonging and has the opportunity and support to thrive,” said CU President Todd Saliman. “Because our work to advance diversity, equity and inclusion is ongoing and happens in units and spaces across our system, it’s important to recognize, support and reward the people who are pursuing innovative, transformative actions. So I encourage members of our community to nominate deserving individuals or groups for these annual awards and grants.”

This year sees the evolution of the awards, previously known as the Diversity Awards, and grants, formerly the Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Grants. The application period for those had previously taken place in the fall but was shifted to the spring for the 2021-22 fiscal year.

Also new for this year: Based upon feedback from campus diversity officers, President Saliman has doubled the potential amount for each grant, up to a maximum of $6,000 (previously $3,000).

President’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Awards honor individuals and units who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and made significant contributions to advancing DEI within the CU community.

As many as four awards, which include $2,000 and a commemorative plaque, may be given each year.

Nominations are sought in four categories:

• Faculty (full-time CU faculty with the rank of professor, associate professor, assistant professor, senior instructor or instructor)
• Staff
• Undergraduate or graduate students
• Academic or administrative unit (academic or administrative offices; staff, faculty and student committees; and organizations – e.g., alumni – directly associated with CU)

The submission deadline is March 11. Awardees will be announced in early April; a reception is planned for late April.

President’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Grants are designed to fund innovative and creative projects that promote DEI throughout CU.

Applications will be assessed on:

• Demonstrates feasibility, clarity of identified issue and proposed activities and alignment to campus-wide DEI goals;
• Indicates the potential for tangible results, capacity-building, sustainability and replication;
• Offers an effective, innovative approach to meeting important needs in higher education; delivers outcomes that are consistent with campus-wide diversity, equity and inclusion goals; and,
• Fosters collaboration between groups (e.g. campuses; departments; faculty, staff and students; community).

Projects selected for funding are restricted to a maximum award of $6,000​.

The application deadline is April 6.

Grantees will be announced in early May.

Questions: systemdei@cu.edu