A Catalyst for Intersectional Gender Equity in STEM at the University of Nebraska at Omaha

University Of Nebraska At Omaha, Omaha NE

Investigators

Abstract

The University of Nebraska at Omaha will undertake an institutional self-assessment to identify potential organizational inequities (unjust or unfair) policies and practices that result in differential professional outcomes for some STEM faculty. The ADVANCE Catalyst project will result in a five-year STEM faculty equity plan tailored to the University of Nebraska at Omaha context and institutional data that will guide institutional actions to address any issues identified during the grant. This project will examine how policies, procedures, practices, and other factors interact across levels of an institution and affect different faculty in STEM. The institutional self-assessment and five-year strategic plan will set a foundation to improve equity for STEM faculty at the institution. This work will benefit STEM disciplines as well as non-STEM disciplines due to the interconnected nature of institutional policy. Results of the Catalyst project will be regularly communicated with the University of Nebraska at Omaha community. The project is expected to add to our understanding of STEM faculty equity issues at non-R1, doctoral-granting regional universities. This project is jointly funded by NSF ADVANCE and the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research. The NSF ADVANCE program is designed to foster gender equity through a focus on the identification and elimination of organizational barriers that impede the full participation and advancement of diverse faculty in academic institutions. Organizational barriers that inhibit equity may exist in policies, processes, practices, and the organizational culture and climate. ADVANCE "Catalyst" awards provide support for institutional equity assessments and the development of five-year faculty equity strategic plans at academic, non-profit institutions of higher education. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.