UVM is committed to diversity, inclusion, and the University's shared values of openness, justice, respect, integrity, innovation, and responsibility (Our Common Ground). We endeavor to provide a culture and environment that is accessible, inclusive, and supportive of people of varied backgrounds interacting effectively in a climate of mutual respect. In addition, we believe all UVM community members should embrace critical discourse, encourage diverse perspectives, and engage in meaningful and respectful dialogue. UVM will continue to denounce any acts of bigotry, racism, and social injustice on our campus. Such activities have no place in our community.

Over the course of the year, seven primary concerns were identified by all parties for further consideration and action. They were:

1. Diversity and inclusion training for all faculty, staff, and administration.
2. Recruitment and retention of faculty of color and LGBTQIA+ faculty.
3. Renovation of D1 and D2 courses and professional development training for instructors.
4. Greater clarity on how bias incidents on campus are handled and reported in a timely way.
5. Greater clarity on how bias incidents and hate crimes are defined.
6. Review of how Identity Centers are funded and the level of funding.
7. Expansion of University-wide education and understanding of the University’s history and educational experiences relating to concerns of diversity and inclusion. This includes appropriate recognition through memorials and other means to recognize key historical events and incidences on campus.

Progress we have made over the past few months include:

• Implementation and continuation of professional development training for all faculty who teach D1/D2 courses. Further training in diversity and cultural competency for all faculty will occur through faculty meetings, seminars, workshops, and retreats provided by Professional Development & Training.
• A series of Faculty, Staff & Student professional development learning opportunities are continually provided through out the year.  [e.g. UVM Voices (PDF), Not Just a Game (PDF), Blackboard Jungle Symposium 12 (PDF)]
• UVM's new employee Onboarding Program has been redesigned to affirm our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.  The onboarding experience has been expanded to a 12 month process which fully integrates Our Common Ground values, this includes a New Employee Welcome Video.
• Appointment of Provost’s Faculty Fellow for Diversity and Inclusion, who will assist the colleges with the development and implementation of diversity-related curriculum, including implementation of a University Diversity Faculty Fellows Program.
• Establishment of a Provost’s Future Faculty Program designed to advance the Academic Excellence Goals for the University of Vermont by building institutional capacity through the recruitment of faculty that embody and contribute to the diversity of our campus.
• Selection of additional counselors at the Mosaic Center for Students of Color and the Prism Center.
• Changed the Bias Response Program to increase education and timely responsiveness.
• Increased avenues for financial support of Identity Centers through the UVM Foundation.
• Dedication of Andrew Harris Commons, first African American graduate of the University of Vermont.  Graduated from UVM 1838.
• Every College and Division within UVM has an Inclusive Excellence Action Plan.
• The 2019 Campus Climate Survey launches February 4, 2019 and continues through March 8, 2019.

At its October 2018 meeting, the University of Vermont Board of Trustees voted to remove the name of Guy W. Bailey, UVM’s 13^th president, from the main university library. The official name for the building, previously Guy W. Bailey/David W. Howe Memorial Library, is now the David W. Howe Memorial Library. This decision was reached following a recommendation by the university’s Renaming Advisory Committee, established in March of 2018.