Purpose and Charge
The DEI Council leads and collaborates with the Georgia Tech community on issues of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to create a climate of belonging for every person affiliated with the Provost’s Office.
The Council identifies and works on GT DEI strategic priorities in units of the Provost’s Office, addresses DEI issues with annual goals to achieve specific DEI outcomes, and raises awareness of these issues and strategies throughout units.
We act in an advisory capacity to the Provost, Dr. Steve McLaughlin. Activities and outcomes are documented and reported annually to Dr. McLaughlin, his leadership team, and across the Provost’s Office.
Establishment of the Council
The Council was established in the summer of 2022 (FY23 Fiscal Year). The inaugural Co-Chairs (serving in FY23 and FY24) of the Provost’s Diversity Council were Steven Girardot, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, and Amy Bass Henry, Executive Director of International Education.
The Office of the Provost issued an initial call for nominations for members from among the Provost’s Office units.
Council Members
The DEI Council's members include the chair or co-chairs, staff and faculty members, and undergraduate and graduate students who work in a unit of the Provost’s Office. Among the faculty/staff members, the Council prioritizes representation of at least one person from each VP unit and from the central Provost’s Office staff.
In addition to the appointed members, two positions in the Provost’s Office will serve as permanent Ex-Officio members: Senior Director of Human Resources Strategy and Senior Director of Academic Administration (who will also coordinate committee support through the OOP central office staff).
Voting and Decision Making
Typically, the DEI Council uses a consensus approach to making decisions about recommendations and actions. All members of the Council (including ex officio members) have voting privileges when and if matters arise that necessitate a vote.
Recruitment and Terms of Appointment
Members are appointed by the Provost based on nominations and self-nominations submitted to the Co-Chairs by major unit heads (e.g, Vice Provosts).
Members serve a two-year term, renewable for a third year with the approval of the Member, the Supervisor of the Member, the Vice Provost (or equivalent leadership role) for the Member’s area, and the Council Chair(s). After serving a maximum of three years, a member will roll off the Council for a period of at least two years.
The Council encourages former Council members and all community members to use their knowledge and skills to serve as ambassadors of DEI efforts in their units and networks, and to assist this Council and others in our community in an advisory capacity, with activities, and on special efforts as needed.
The chair or co-chairs are appointed for 2-year terms by the Provost. A chair-elect (or co-chairs elect) will be appointed in the year prior to the conclusion of the current chair/co-chairs term to allow for continuous planning and transition. The chair/co-chairs are typically appointed from current members of the Council.
In the initial year, members were randomly appointed for variable terms of one or two years. Subsequent appointments will be for 2 years to achieve a turnover of approximately half of the Council’s membership each year. After the initial year, all appointments follow a fiscal year term, beginning on July 1 and concluding on June 30.
Recruitment for each new year begins in the spring for the subsequent fiscal year appointment. When a vacancy occurs during a term, the chair(s) will work with the area represented to replace this member to complete the term. (For example, if the vacating member was a staff member within VPEM, efforts will be made to replace the member from among VPEM staff).
Funding and Council Support
The DEI Council requests funds from the Office of the Provost to support programming and initiatives in the annual budget planning cycle. Reporting units may also align annual budget requests with Council initiatives when appropriate.
The Senior Director of Academic Administration ensures administrative support person for the Council, (e.g., scheduling full Council meetings, event reservations, and other administrative assistance).
By working together and promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in the Provost’s Office, we hope to foster belonging and a more welcoming, inclusive environment for all members of the Georgia Tech community.