Diversity and Inclusion Conference: U.S. Focus

Discover how to craft a customized DEIB strategy that meets the unique needs of your business school. This session provides actionable insights on developing DEIB plans that not only align with your college's goals but also with broader institutional initiatives.

As we encounter increasing domestic and global unrest, both socially and politically, DEI strategy is forced to pivot while trying to meet our inclusion goals. In this session, we will discuss the impact of DEI partnerships across multi-disciplinary functions such as marketing, HR, and legal affairs. The presenters will utilize examples of DEI partnership with Marketing & Strategic Communications to demonstrate advancing DEI initiatives in politically strained times that call for the elimination of DEI. Participants will hear strategies for elevating DEI work in the face of these challenges.

Despite the dysfunction of Washington and chaos of state houses across the country, a business school’s equity and inclusion efforts remain crucial elements of candidates’ decision-making when selecting where to pursue their graduate management education. Find out what GMAC research reveals about how seriously candidates consider DEIB and the recent application patterns among women, first-generation prospective students, and candidates from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds. Base your strategies on real-life trends with survey insights from thousands of prospective graduate business school students and nearly 900 GME programs worldwide.

DEI offices in higher education have faced many changes during the past years. While some institutions increased DEI initiatives over the past few years, there are several states phasing out and/or defunding DEI efforts. DEI programs and initiatives in business colleges/schools continue to experience limited support, programming, and resources. The State of DEI in Business Schools 2024 Study is a collaborative research project between BUSDEIC (BusSchool DEI Collaborative) and the DEI Division of the Academy of Management. This presentation will include preliminary results and findings, as well as highlights of innovative practices.

Explore effective methods for evaluating and refining DEIB programs. The presenter will share insights on program evaluation techniques and offer practical guidance on pivoting strategies when programs fall short. Gain valuable tools to ensure continuous improvement and impactful outcomes in your DEIB initiatives.

In this session, presenters will share their approach to leveraging internal and external relationships and funding agencies to gain financial support for DEIB initiatives. Discover strategies for securing financial support for research, scholarships, and programs.

Join Ken Bouyer, Americas DEI Recruiting Leader at Ernst & Young, in a dynamic session uncovering what skills are required for student success in diverse workplaces. We will explore how to cultivate confidence in graduates, helping them build their emotional immune system and better navigate the transition from business school to a first job.