Davidson College, the highly rated liberal arts institution in North Carolina, has made changes to its hiring practices in an effort to create a more nurturing environment for underrepresented minority students. Now, candidates considered for faculty and staff positions are asked about their experience working with underrepresented minority populations. As part of the effort, faculty and staff who conduct employment interviews undergo training and a group of Equity Advisers are charged with ensuring that all faculty hired for tenure-track positions have the experience and skills necessary to provide academic and other support to underrepresented minority students. Students are also involved in the hiring process.
Candidates for available positions are evaluated on:
- Strategies for fostering inclusive classroom environments;
- Experience working with people of diverse backgrounds in their communities and institutions;
- Ability to perceive problems underrepresented or marginalized groups may face;
- Level of engagement with diverse or underrepresented populations in their research and teaching; and
- Potential to engage students in dialogue about sensitive diversity and minority issues.
