Frequently Asked Questions

Can you provide background on the independent DEI assessment?

Ivy Planning Group was retained by W&M in 2021 to:

1. Plan and deliver a virtual DEI Executive Thinking and Learning Session for W&M’s Cabinet
2. Conduct a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) assessment & create a roadmap and strategy
3. Prepare and facilitate planning and governance sessions, focused on how to implement the DEI strategic plan and roadmap

Ivy began its assessment process at W&M in spring 2021. Members of the group conducted focus groups and individual interviews with about 200 faculty, staff and students who were selected at random. The consultants also completed a systemic review of documents related to policies, practices and procedures and evaluated how they align with W&M’s DEI goals.

Ivy Planning Group, a management consulting and training firm, has worked with myriad private companies, non-profit organizations and government agencies on similar efforts.

William & Mary has conducted a number of previous efforts to address diversity, equity and inclusion at the university. What is different about this assessment?

This is part of W&M’s efforts to take steady, sustained steps toward our goal of eliminating bias systematically in university structures and campus culture. While we have made progress, our work is ongoing, and this assessment will provide us with a solid foundation of data from which to make decisions about DEI as we undertake strategic planning.

What are the key findings?

The assessment revealed four main themes in its findings:

• W&M has several current-state conditions that enabled DEI success.
• A lack of accountability for DEI execution, along with organization autonomy, has hindered DEI progress.
• Too few leaders understand DEI is an imperative and opportunity enabler.
• People of color have more negative experiences at W&M than their white peers.

What are the key actions going forward?

Based on recommendations in the report, W&M has committed to:

• Creating a culture of accountability and continuous improvement to advance the university’s core values throughout the community.
• Cultivating cultural competency and civil discourse throughout the university community with associated programming and services to bolster critical skillsets.
• Completing a three-year faculty hiring pilot to recruit and retain excellent faculty with expertise in inclusive teaching.
• Utilizing community data and annual surveys to improve health and wellness and ensure equitable learning environments and workplaces.
• Ensuring affordability by growing financial aid and providing funded internship opportunities for all students.
• Achieving the Commonwealth of Virginia’s goal of 42% use of Small, Women, and Minority-Owned (SWaM) businesses in procuring goods and services.

Why is it important to build a foundation of data in key strategic areas?

The assessment is part of William & Mary’s efforts to build a strong foundation of data from which to make decisions in key competitive areas as the university looks toward long-term, strategic operations. Its results will inform W&M’s Inclusive Excellence Framework and the Vision 2026 strategic planning effort.

What were the goals with the assessment?

The primary goal of the assessment was to identify barriers to and opportunities for advancing W&M’s DEI work.

What was the process used to meet those goals?

In spring 2021, members of Ivy Planning Group conducted focus groups and individual interviews with about 200 faculty, staff and students who were selected at random. The consultants also completed a systemic review of documents related to policies, practices and procedures and evaluated how they align with W&M’s DEI goals.

Why partner with an external group to conduct the assessment?

Partnering with an external group gave us an opportunity to access expertise in this kind of assessment and gain an unbiased view of our efforts and their impacts, based on feedback from our community.

Can you provide more information on the Ivy Planning Group, and their experience in conducting these types of assessments?

Ivy Planning Group, a management consulting and training firm, has worked with Fortune 500 companies, non-profit organizations and government agencies on similar efforts. We partnered with them on this to access their expertise in this area. 

How do I access the full report?

If you would like to see the full report, contact Bobbi Jo Stevens at [[bcstevens]] in the Office of Diversity & Inclusion.