Lehigh University has been awarded Bronze-level Recognition from the American Society for Engineering Education’s Diversity Recognition Program.
The ASEE program recognizes engineering and engineering technology colleges that make “significant, measurable progress in increasing the diversity, inclusion, and degree attainment outcomes of their programs.” Lehigh is one of 26 institutions to receive Bronze status in Fall 2020/Spring 2021. A total of 127 institutions have been recognized nationwide since Spring 2019.
“This acknowledgement from the ASEE confirms our college’s commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion,” says Stephen P. DeWeerth, Dean of Lehigh’s P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science. “We have defined clear targets and implemented approaches for recruiting and providing full access to members of underrepresented groups. We have also developed proactive strategies to enhance our climate and culture of equitable community. These efforts are led by the Rossin College DEI Council, chaired by Associate Dean Svetlana Tatic-Lucic, with engagement from our entire college community—leadership, faculty, staff, and students.”
DeWeerth signed the ASEE’s Deans Diversity Pledge in 2017, which led to the creation of the DEI Council in 2019. The group includes representatives from each of the eight engineering departments, as well as a staff representative.
Tatic-Lucic, a professor of bioengineering and electrical and computer engineering, and the college’s associate dean for faculty development, directed the council in conducting a historical review of the college’s DEI efforts, compiling baseline metrics, and outlining strategic objectives for creating and maintaining an equitable and just environment for faculty, staff, and students.
Their efforts have resulted in the development of the Rossin College Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Plan, which is expected to be adopted later this year, as well as the launch of a faculty search, now in its final phase, with a special emphasis on finding candidates who demonstrate a commitment to advancing DEI.
“Despite most universities having a hiring freeze, we saw this moment as an opportunity to bring on professors that will aid our college’s mission to create a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment in which world-class faculty, staff, and students can thrive to their full potential.” says Tatic-Lucic.
The Bronze level recognition is valid for three years. The ASEE is revising its criteria and review processes for the program’s Silver and Gold levels, though institutions are recommended to remain at the Bronze level for two years before applying for a more advanced recognition.
