Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

Phoenicia University (PU) diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are governed by the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee (DEIC), which sets policy direction and takes decisions on university-wide diversity, equity, inclusion, and human rights matters. Day-to-day implementation is carried out by the University Diversity Officer (UDO), who reports to the Committee and to the Chancellor, and who translates the Committee's decisions into programs, services, and support across the university.

Together, the Committee and the UDO ensure that PU's programs, services, and support are open to all members of the PU community — students, faculty, and staff — irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic circumstance, or any other status.

The DEI Committee is responsible for:

• Setting university-wide policy on diversity, equity, inclusion, and human rights;
• Reviewing and approving major DEI programs, initiatives, and strategic priorities;
• Overseeing the resolution of escalated complaints related to discrimination or unfair treatment, through the University's formal complaints process.
   

Committee Composition

The DEI Committee is composed of representatives from across the PU community, including faculty representatives from each college, staff representatives, and student representatives. The UDO serves as a non-voting member of the Committee, reporting on implementation progress and university-wide DEI initiatives. This structure ensures that diverse perspectives inform university-wide decisions and that initiatives respond to the needs of the broader university community.

University Diversity Officer (UDO) — Role and Mandate

The UDO manages the day-to-day implementation of the Committee's decisions and is tasked with:

• Advising the Committee and university leadership on policies and practices that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion across academic, administrative, and campus life;
• Overseeing the implementation of DEI-related programs and support services for students, faculty, and staff;
• Developing and coordinating training on diversity, equity, inclusion, and human rights topics for the university community;
• Monitoring complaints related to discrimination or unfair treatment and ensuring appropriate day-to-day resolution, escalating to the Committee where required;
• Directly handle cases involving gender-based or sexual harassment, ensuring that such matters are handled through appropriate procedures that are confidential, impartial, timely, and trauma-informed;
• Directly overseeing the Minorities Center, ensuring its programs and services align with the university's broader DEI strategy.
• Convening representatives from student affairs, employees, and student bodies as needed to inform and support the Committee's initiatives.
   

How to Get Support

Any member of the PU community is welcome to reach out to the UDO directly. The UDO will listen to your circumstances and direct you to the appropriate pathway within the Minorities Center, where trained staff are equipped to support your specific needs. The UDO has received specialized training through participation in initiatives related to women empowerment, gender equality and disability support, equipping them to guide individuals to the appropriate support pathway and handle sensitive cases with care.

Initiatives

The UDO collaborates with and supports several student clubs and societies whose work advances diversity, equity, and inclusion goals. Building on these efforts, the UDO is currently developing a more structured training program on diversity, equity, inclusion, and human rights, to be rolled out across staff, faculty, and student leaders in the coming academic year.