The statement will be reviewed in the same manner as other aspects of a candidate’s application is evaluated (i.e. research, teaching or outreach statement) with the following considerations:

• Do the experiences/approaches (current and/or future):
  • Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of pertinent issues facing diverse learners and members of other communities with whom the candidate works?
  • Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of differences stemming from ethnic, socioeconomic, racial, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religious, political and cultural backgrounds and ways in which people from these backgrounds face obstacles or challenges in higher education?
  • Demonstrate familiarity with demographic and educational experience data relevant in higher education?
    include developing programs to address unit/campus/field climate or underrepresentation, and engaging in addressing challenges faced by diverse learners and members of other communities with whom the candidate works?
  • Demonstrate a record that spans career stages and provides examples as undergraduate or graduate student or in faculty positions, if appropriate?
• Are future approaches detailed and do they demonstrate an understanding of Cornell’s history of commitment to “…any person…any study”?

Candidates should outline their experiences and approaches to working with diverse communities through their research, teaching and service. Candidates may want to highlight the following aspects:

• Consistency: have you supported diverse communities throughout your career — as an undergraduate, graduate student and in faculty positions, as appropriate to your career stage?
• What are your plans to support diverse communities through your research, teaching and service within your department and/or campus-wide at Cornell?
• How would you modify or add to your ongoing efforts described above at Cornell?

Examples of activities can include the following (this is not an exhaustive list):

• Advising an organization that supports individuals from diverse backgrounds;
• Scholarly work or educational approach(es) that address issues relevant to Cornell’s Founding Principle at workshops, conferences and talks;
• Creating and implementing strategies and/or pedagogy to encourage a respectful class environment for a diverse student population that supports a community of belonging for “…any person…any study;”
• Serving on relevant university committees addressing the above;
• Participating in professional or scientific organizations that address the needs of diverse populations;
• Creating programs that provide access and a pipeline for groups traditionally underrepresented in some fields or for those facing barriers to joining higher education altogether;
• Enhancing the learning experience in the classroom, lab and field for all students by exposing them to new perspectives on cultures, beliefs, and practices;
• Describing how the candidate’s research, scholarship or creative activities contribute to understanding the barriers experienced by marginalized groups;
• Offer research opportunities for individuals historically excluded from disciplines due to their backgrounds (socioeconomic, racial, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, political and cultural backgrounds, etc.;
• Mentoring and advising students and junior colleagues to enhance their opportunities to succeed in the academy; and
• Supporting (or planning to support) public engagement with organizations or community groups serving historically marginalized populations or extending opportunities to disadvantaged people.