What We've Accomplished Thus Far

In fall, 2021 Deo Mwano Consultancy (DMC) initiated several data-gathering efforts designed to gain input from staff regarding the current work atmosphere and opportunities for improvement. Nearly 250 employees completed an anonymous survey and 120 employees participated in 50 small group listening sessions and individual interviews held with DMS staff.  

In fall, 2022 DMC conducted a follow up survey that was designed to see how things have changed. 224 employees participated and the results showed a positive correlation related to employees' understanding of DEI. The DEI initiative was ranked strongly with 89% believing it's important and 86% stating that it should continue. 77 % polled positively for this initiative improving their understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion and 69% of participants believe that the initiative is improving the culture of Campus Services.​ 

Full results of the surveys are available from the CEB Department and can be requested at any time by contacting Tammy Thorson.  

All employees were invited to attend training on the 7 Principles. The six-hour mandatory training sessions for managers and supervisors discussed both the 7 Principles and how to lead with positive intentions.

To respond to requests for more open communication, regular Town Hall meetings were reinstated with the first held in April 2022. Going forward, Town Halls will be held three to four times per year with the most resent one occurring on March 7, 2023 (recording can be accessed here). The next Town Hall will occur on July 19, 2023.  

Nick Davis, the Director of Culture and Employee Belonging, was hired to lead diversity activities across the division and help improve the culture of Campus Services. Nick Davis has transitioned to a new role on May 1 as Senior Director for Inclusive Culture, for the Division of Institutional Diversity and Equity (IDE). While Nick's role in Campus Services will be filled, Nick's new role will serve to elevate the DEI work Campus Services is doing and as well as our voice.  

Celia Johnson, the Campus Service Recruiter, is partnering with hiring managers to better understand specific hiring needs, working to build strong candidate pools, and is guiding candidates through the hiring process. Since Celia's start several new employees have been hired using the new recruitment strategies in both Dartmouth Dining Services and FO&M.  

Tammy Thorson, the DEI Program Coordinator, is working with the Director of Culture and Employee Belonging to roll out programming, DEI initiatives, training sessions, and Campus Services events.  

On the first Friday of every month Campus Services employees can enjoy a $5 meal at 53 Commons. Campus Services leadership will be available at different times throughout day so all employees can speak with them if they wish to.  

A Culture of Caring Committee has been established and is made up of members from across Campus Services. The committee is devoted to establishing a more positive and caring culture and is responsible for putting on divisional events, helping with communication, and promoting DEI initiatives.  

TV monitors that transmit Campus Services communications have gone up throughout campus and more are in the works. The TV monitors are one of the new ways Campus Services shares information and communications with staff.

Each week a newsletter is sent out to Campus Services staff via email, and hard copies are placed by time clocks throughout campus. The weekly newsletter helps to highlight accomplishments and to give kudos, has a DEI in your corner section, and is designed to better inform staff of events happening throughout campus.

The DEI Council was established in the summer of 2022. Goals include creating better and more effective communication strategies, increasing training opportunities, and developing a strong and positive workplace culture. To learn more about the DEI Council, the work of its sub-committees, and to meet its members, please click here.  

The office of Culture and Employee Belonging, alongside the DEI Council, is continually seeking feedback on our events, communications, and training. We want to incorporate the thoughts and ideas of Campus Services Employees so we can make our work and programs meaningful, accessible, and helpful to all.  

The office of Culture and Employee Belonging welcomes all Campus Services staff to meet with Tammy Thorson to talk about professional development, what opportunities are available, and to develop a plan to achieve your goals. To schedule an appointment email Tammy Thorson at Tammy.E.Thorson@dartmouth.edu.

In late winter, all employees were invited to meet with the DMC team to review and discuss findings from the data gathering efforts. Staff attended 90-minute engagement sessions, while managers and supervisors participated in 3-hour sessions to review the findings and learn about the 7 Principles. Key findings suggested we seek improvement in the following focus areas: communications, training, community building, mentorship, and career advancement.