Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: An Examination of Diversity-Infused Faculty Professional Development Programs

Abstract

Given the national and global demographic trends, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are topics of discussion in U.S. higher education institutions. Most post-secondary institutions include DEI initiatives and mission statements, including implementing inclusive frameworks and approaches. These approaches include universal design for learning (UDL), inclusive pedagogy, or multicultural education. The UDL approach and inclusive teaching practices allow university faculty and staff to teach with a structural design that could accommodate diverse learning needs and provide the additional support or differentiation needed for vulnerable or marginalized students. In this study, we infused DEI-focused inclusive pedagogy into faculty professional development (PD) programs such as workshops, events, courses, and additional resources. Qualitative data from the follow-up survey demonstrated the instructors’ positive attitudes and adoption of inclusive teaching practices reflecting UDL principles. The findings of this study indicate practical implications for instructional design and the development of faculty PD programs in higher education.