ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú

From its name to a revamped website, changes for the Office of Transformational and Inclusive Excellence (OTIE) have been planned since summer 2021.

Formerly known as the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion, OTIE has been working toward this goal for more than two years, since Cristina Alcalde joined the office as its vice president. The new name is reflective of a comprehensive approach that is both holistic and systemic, Alcalde said, and one that better reflects the office’s ongoing efforts at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University.

“We take a very proactive, intentional approach to everything we do,” Alcalde said.

Part of OTIE’s approach was building a webpage that was user friendly, connected to the university, and offers resources and information that align with ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s mission of inclusive excellence.

To support ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s mission, Alcalde noted OTIE is committed to providing an integrated, holistic vision of inclusive excellence and strategic direction for ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú. OTIE helps advance the university’s inclusive excellence and promotes a welcoming community for all through an integrated holistic approach of structures, policies, initiatives, and programming by working collaboratively with all areas of ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú. 

The OTIE site offers links for capacity building, workshops, and training; accountability and transparency; educational programming and resources; leadership, support, and development; and more.

As OTIE restructured, new staff positions were created and new programming offered throughout the university.

“This really reflects our overall approach,” Alcalde said. “First, we raise awareness. Then we focus on capacity building, and then on embedding change. These are things we are doing to move forward diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are making sure we are embedding it in everything we do.”

OTIE also now has dedicated social media channels on Instagram and X (previously Twitter), as well as many resource sections on the site. Those include TIE’s annual report, religious observances and inclusive scheduling, and an inclusive language guide.

“This is a way to let our ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú community know what is happening,” Alcalde said. “Our goal is to build on our strengths and be even more inclusive. This is part of that process — better reflective of what we do and our inclusive excellence approach.”