KU Medical Center Executive Vice Chancellor's Diversity Award

What is the Executive Vice Chancellor's Diversity Award?

Diversity is an integral part of an academic and employment experience. The University of Kansas Medical Center encourages the entire community to appreciate and experience diversity programs provided here at the Medical Center. In support of the overall diversity initiative, the Diversity Advisory Council for the Medical Center has established an annual diversity award to be given on behalf of the Executive Vice Chancellor for the Medical Center.

The award is presented in support of the Executive Vice Chancellor's goals, which advance diversity at the Medical Center. This award represents efforts and achievements that develop a culture and environment in which diversity is valued.

Diversity encompasses differences and similarities. Therefore any mixture of differences and similarities can be referred to as diversity i.e., age, class, ethnicity, gender, physical, psychological, race, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, and other human differences.

What are the conditions for the award?

• A plaque with the name of the organization or individual will be given on February 25, 2008. Another plaque that remains with the award is inscribed with the name of the organization/individual annually. Finally, the diversity award, "EXCELSIOR", shall reside with the honoree
• for the period of one year. See pictures on right.
• A $500 stipend will be awarded to the winner, for the development of future diversity programs.
• All nominees should be contacted and notified prior to the submission of the nomination packet.

Who can be nominated?

• Nominees must be employed by KUMC, current faculty/staff or enrolled students.
• Any individual, unit, team or organization that has exemplified the advancement of diversity criteria at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
• All organizations should be registered with the University of Kansas Medical Center.

What programs are appropriate for a nomination?

All nominees must have made a significant contribution to the advancement of diversity goals at the University of Kansas Medical Center. These goals include advancing harmony and respect in the workplace for everyone by improving social justice, human rights, and cultural awareness. Nominations will be accepted for initiatives and programs that promote access, equity or social justice in relation to gender, race, ethnicity, cultural and linguistic diversity, marital status, age, family responsibilities, disability, sexuality, political persuasion, religious belief, or other aspects of diversity within the University of Kansas Medical Center.

How do you complete a nomination?

A nomination includes a nomination statement not to exceed (2) typed pages. Two (2) letters of support to be submitted with the nomination packet. A completed nomination packet must be submitted. All "Team" or "Organizations" nominations should include a list of all members. For individual nominations a current vitae or resume should be submitted. All nominations should be completed and submitted to the office of the Diversity Coordinator, Charles Romero 1024 Murphy, by 5:00 p.m., February 8, 2008. Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.

How is the selection made?

Three selection teams made up of KUMC faculty, students and staff will review the nominations.

To be considered for the EVC Diversity Award the organization/individual must show strong evidence of its engagements in projects that:

1. Significantly promote diversity and cultural competency development among employees, students, and faculty, and/or
2. Notably enhance diversity within community the Medical Center serves.

In evaluating an organization's diversity initiative that benefits the mission of the Diversity Advisory Council, the judges look specifically for initiatives that accomplish one or more of the following objectives:

• Fostering diversity in the workplace with programs that maximize the potential of all people;
• Creating partnerships between managers and employees to resolve diversity workplace issues;
• Promoting diversity workplace education and communication ideas;
• Improving cultural competency through educational initiatives.

When assessing an organization's community-related projects, the judges look at initiatives that involve the following efforts:

• Providing support to community-based diversity programs designed to improve people's cultural awareness and sensitivity;
• Taking a proactive role in local diversity and minority issues by, for example, building relationships with diversity community advisory councils or educating citizens on matters of diversity disparities;
• Encouraging employee volunteerism in the community with regards to cultural connections;
• Participating in community diversity outreach programs that help people to learn more about the Medical Center's mission towards diversity.

When is the award conferred?

This year the award will be conferred on February 25, 2008. The presentation and reception will be held at noon, School of Nursing Atrium.

Instructions for completing the nomination packet:

• Type or print the information.
• Provide the complete name, address, and pertinent information required.
• Use a separate packet for each nominee (if not a team/organization).
• Verify the contact information for accuracy.
• Submit the (2) letters of support/recommendation.
• Submit the nomination statement not to exceed (2) typed pages. The statement must provide evidence to substantiate the significant contribution the team, individual or group made towards advancing the Executive Vice Chancellor's and Diversity Advisory Council's goals.
• Include all names of "Teams" or "Organization Members."
• Submit the nomination packet by February 8, 2008 to the office of the Diversity Coordinator, Charles Romero, 1024 Murphy, KUMC.

For more information, contact Charles Romero or call 913-588-8011 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.