College of Engineering Vergnano Institute for Inclusion

Inclusive JET Origin Story

Content Contributors (listed alphabetically):

  • Milagros Castillo-Montoya, ODI
  • Jillian Ives, CAHNR
  • Anna Marie LaChance, ENGR
  • Randi Mendes, ENGR
  • Jonelle Reynolds, ODI
  • Martina Rosenberg, CETL
  • Stephany Santos, ENGR

Acronyms: ODI – Office for Diversity and Inclusion; CAHNR – College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources; ENGR – School of Engineering (Engineering Diversity and Outreach Center)

 

History of JET

In the summer of 2020, a group of several School of Engineering graduate students got together to write a 25-page document outlining anti-racist action items for the School. One of the three actions was to create a cultural competency program for faculty and staff. In January 2021, The Vergnano Institute for Inclusion launched the Inclusive Excellence in Justice, Equity and Transformation (JET).

Fall 2023 will see its third cohort of faculty and staff​ joining together on a journey to create an more inclusive campus for students. This includes a growth mindset, individual actions and collective actions to make local and systemic changes at UConn.