Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
We’re Better Together
The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance is committed to furthering the University’s goal of ensuring that each member of our community has an equal opportunity to thrive and to take full advantage of the resources afforded by the University of Michigan. We fully embrace that academic and artistic excellence is an indispensable component of our institutional commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Strategic Plan
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Plan 2.0
The DEI 2.0 strategic plan represents the University of Michigan’s continued commitment to ensuring a diverse, equitable and inclusive community with even more sharply defined goals, new innovations and investments, and enhanced measures of accountability – shaped and informed by our own university community.
Climate Survey
A voluntary DEI Climate Survey was also conducted to measure workplace climates in terms of DEI. Explore the reports generated from this data — representing the first of continuing efforts to better understand our climate and how it may be experienced by various groups.
Program Highlights
First Gen Initiative
We are proud to offer support and community-building for first-generation college students. A First Gen group for SMTD faculty, staff, and students is organized with leadership from Professors Timothy Cheek and Antonio Cuyler. To connect, email [email protected].
The formal definition of a first-generation college student is a student whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree, per the Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives. Learn more about the First-Generation Student Program at U-M.
This is How We Brunch
SMTD DEI hosts an annual brunch open to all, but primarily for BIPOC in the SMTD community. This gathering invites SMTD faculty, staff, and students to gather for food and socializing. This brunch originated in the Department of Theatre & Drama and is now supported by SMTD DEI staff in partnership with students.
DEI Book Club
The SMTD DEI Book Club, started in Winter 2023, is a program formed via faculty and staff feedback. Many community members wanted opportunities to gather with their colleagues and to engage in other learning modalities. The DEI Book Club runs at least once per academic year and is open to all SMTD faculty and staff.
SMTD DEI Awards
These awards recognize and uplift the contributions of students, faculty and staff in the advancement of diversity, equity and inclusion in service, scholarship, musicianship, artistry, or advocacy. View nomination criteria and more info.
2024
- Grant Johnson (MM percussion, ’24)
- Nicole Keller (faculty, organ)
- Carter Van Erp (BTA ’25, performing arts management)
- Victoria Vourkoutiotis (BFA ’25, acting)
- Paola Savvidou (faculty, wellness program)
- Brandon Monzon (staff, marketing)
2023
- Timmy Thompson (BFA ’23, musical theatre)
- Courtney Snyder (faculty, conducting)
- Mattie Levy (MA composition, MM oboe, ’24)
- Marc Hannaford (faculty, music theory)
- Fangfei Miao (faculty, dance)
2022
- Michael McElroy (faculty, musical theatre)
- Caroline Coade (faculty, viola)
- Robin Myrick (staff, engagement & outreach)
- Samantha Williams (MM ’20, SM ’22, voice)
- Andrew Otchere (BFA ’23, acting)
North Campus MLK Spirit Awards
The Martin Luther King Spirit Awards are given to students, student organizations, staff, and faculty members at the University of Michigan North Campus colleges who exemplify the leadership and vision of Dr. King through their commitment to social justice, diversity, and inclusion. Read about the 2022 Winners from SMTD.
Connect with DEI Staff
Juan Florencia
Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Caitlin Taylor
Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Shandell Bruu
Office Coordinator for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Louise Toppin
Faculty Advisor
Questions? Ideas?
Contact the SMTD Office for DEI at [email protected] or call 734-763-3488.
Located in the Moore Building Room #2226, the SMTD Office for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion has an open door policy: anytime someone is in the office and a private meeting is not in session, we encourage students, faculty and staff to stop in. Feel free to come by to express concerns about the school climate, share project ideas, ask questions about DEI initiatives, or just say hello!