While colleges are divided on the best way to achieve diversity, one message is clear – the student demographic changes sweeping the nation already have a big impact on higher education nationwide, especially as the number of Hispanic and Asian students increases. As a result, colleges are searching for ways to diversify their faculty to meet the needs of their diversifying student body.

Initiatives for diversity and inclusion are taking different shapes on campus – from having a clear diversity statement that is communicated across the college to developing a robust mentoring programs designed to retain minority and female faculty.

Creative Strategies for Hiring and Retaining Diverse Faculty

Take a look at how other colleges are already taking small measures to build a diverse workforce:

• Consider the effectiveness of cluster hiring. Bring in two or more diverse faculty members into a single department at the same time, so candidates feel more welcome.
• Examine existing resources for faculty. What kind of support will new faculty members have as soon as they are hired? Do a comprehensive audit, so you can establish a supportive work environment before a new faculty member arrives.
• Create mentorship opportunities. Mentoring is a powerful way to engage minority or female professors at the junior level, from the beginning.
• Be proactive in recruiting new faculty. Seek out opportunities to reach potential diverse candidates while they’re still in high school or college.

About The Author

Angie Walls works as a copywriter for The Chronicle of Higher Education, the leading source for news and insights in higher ed. Having worked in the industry for five years, her blogging topics of choice cover a variety – big data/trends in higher ed, best practices of other colleges, insights from campus leaders, technology innovation, and other news.