Our Mission
The Diversity Community of Practice (DCoP), a vibrant grassroots collective of faculty and staff from various collegiate and administrative units. Initially founded on the Twin Cities Campus, we now welcome systemwide faculty and staff. We provide a Zoom platform for collaboration, learning, and innovation together.
At DCoP, we are dedicated to nurturing personal growth, fostering professional development, and embracing innovative approaches to promote equity and diversity at the University of Minnesota. Join us in creating an inclusive community where every voice matters and together, we drive meaningful change.
Our Goals
- Educate, collaborate, support, and assess
- Connect specific college equity and diversity strategies to the UM strategic plan
- Change the status quo
- Share resources and collaborate
- Increase awareness of collegiate diversity goals, events, etc.
- Support one another as members innovate and take risks
- Utilize outcomes-based assessment to make decisions and determine success
What is a Community of Practice?
Communities of practice (CoP) form around topics of common interest, especially in large organizations. A CoP helps to foster connections, interactions, and relationships among members to help address common problems and concerns. In addition, a community of practice focuses on the ideas, tools, information, experiences, and activities members have used in the context of their work to address the practical work.
The Diversity Community of Practice grew from a felt need among diversity professionals at the University to connect with one another about their core work. Since its inception, the membership of the DCoP has expanded to include all members of the University of Minnesota system interested in diversity, equity, access, and justice. Regular large group meetings, committees, and special events provide opportunities for members to share their work and learn from the experiences of others dedicated to improving their DEI work.