UC Davis Athletics Reignites Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee to Empower Departmental Culture and Strategy

DAVIS, Calif. — UC Davis Athletics is happy to announce the newly revitalized Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. As part of the strategic plan, IGNITE, UC Davis Athletics has made the commitment to strengthening DEI-related educational content for the department as well as provide opportunities for student-athletes and staff to give feedback on their experience, education, and resource needs related to DEI.

"UC Davis Athletics is deeply committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within our department." says Director of Athletics, Rocko DeLuca. "Through the revitalized DEI Committee and our IGNITE strategic plan, we are dedicated to empowering our staff, coaches, and student-athletes with the necessary resources and education to thrive in an inclusive environment. We are excited to engage with our community and drive positive change together, ensuring that everyone has the support they need to excel."

When leading the creation of IGNITE's DEI plan, Courtney Randall, Associate Athletics Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and DEI Committee Chair, worked to make sure many of the action items listed within the strategic plan were in alignment with objectives of the UC Davis Office of DEI.

The DEI Committee and its members will serve as key thinkers and organizers in the efforts to create belonging, understanding, and support throughout the athletics department. The DEI committee includes athletics staff, coaches, and student-athletes determined to help enrich the department. Executing IGNITE's plan for DEI, conceptualizing DEI initiatives, and improving the departmental experience are the group's leading focus areas.

"In our program, people are our most valuable resource." says Randall. "Every initiative, impact, or investment we make towards inclusion gets us closer to ensuring that our people have what they need to bring their best to the table. Our committee, made up of student-athletes, staff, and coaches from across the department will help activate our DEI objectives within IGNITE, and produce meaningful insights to shape how we work and build together."

The DEI Committee had their first official meeting in the fall of 2023 and is planning to meet 2-3 times during each quarter in the academic year. Among their first priorities are reviewing the athletics department's DEI philosophy and action statements, adding strategy to IGNITE's DEI aims for the 2023-24 year, and assisting with the execution of signature DEI initiatives.

Randall is excited to hit the ground running in developing and implementing strategies that will continue to propel UC Davis Athletics as an industry leader in DEI-related education and resources. "I am thankful to the dedicated group of Aggies on our committee, as they will be key contributors to our future success in the years to come."

This story is an example of UC Davis Athletics' commitment to the Ignite Strategic Plan Pillar of "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" by providing DEI curricular and co-curricular opportunities for student-athletes, staff and coaches. Read more about our strategic plan here; IGNITE

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