It’s been a busy summer here at UW-Madison and excitement is building as we get ready for classes to start in early September.
Many of our efforts this summer have focused on how we can continue to build a stronger, more inclusive community on campus.
Last week, Chancellor Blank, her executive team and other members of her leadership team (including me), participated in a day-long workshop on inclusion and diversity. We focused on our commitment to diversity as leaders and on applying our learning to current events on campus.
Personally, I was moved and motivated by the commitment from my colleagues around these issues. The experience reinforced for me that together we can and will continue to build a stronger, more inclusive campus community that allows our students, staff and faculty to truly flourish.
As leaders, it is important to demonstrate our commitment. More importantly, we, too, are on a journey and need to pause, be open to learning, and reflect so we can take action to make our campus a place where all feel they belong and can contribute.
I left the workshop with a renewed sense of energy knowing I am on a team that’s committed to making a difference in the lives of our students, staff and faculty. This is lifelong work and it matters to the future of our campus.
Lori Berquam, Vice Provost and Dean of Students