Collaborative for Respectful Workplaces in University Advancement

DEI ANNUAL REPORT | SAFE AND RESPECTFUL ENVIRONMENT

Launched by the OUD Climate committee in 2019, the Collaborative for Respectful Workplaces in University Advancement (CRW) is the only known international group of higher education development staff gathering on this scale to share best practices and resources and develop standard guidelines to address unwanted and unwelcome situations. Twenty-one other universities and colleges have since joined the CRW in our efforts. The collaborative was formerly called the Higher Education Fundraising Collaborative (HEFC).

The scope of their work focuses on interactions between front-facing staff (e.g., fundraisers, event staff, gift processors, scholarship student recipients, etc.) and external constituents (e.g., donors, volunteers, grateful patients, candidates).

Partnering Institutions

Boston College, Boston University, Caltech, Dartmouth College, Indiana University Foundation, Kalamazoo College, Michigan State University, Northwestern University, Ohio State University, Ohio Wesleyan University, Pennsylvania State University, Rutgers University Foundation, University of California, Irvine, University of Cambridge, University of Florida, University of Kansas, University of Michigan, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Notre Dame, University of Oregon, University of Texas at Austin, Washington University in St. Louis

Annual Meeting

On October 30 and December 8, colleagues from 22 global peer institutions gathered virtually to discuss training needs and how to create a culture where people can come forward with concerns and know that their organization has a process for responding. OUD DEI and members of the OUD DEI Climate committee attended.

Consultant Fran Sepler conducted a simulation of abbreviated trainings which Kat Walsh and Sepler previously piloted in March 2020 at U-M:

Managing Unwanted or Unwelcome Behavior in the Gray Zone: In this training, participants define their own professional boundaries and gain an understanding of the continuum of behavior (respectful through unlawful/unethical). Fran also provided general and specific strategies for managing difficult situations.
Organizational Response & Remediation - The Psychology of a Workplace Complaint: Fran discussed understanding the psychology of a workplace complaint and how the first conversation can enhance or damage perceptions of safety and fairness.

CRW Action Teams continue to develop future best practices

Data Collection, Assessment, and Reporting: Identifies related structures, practices, and tracking opportunities for long-term change
Organizational Culture: Recruits, onboards, and builds a culture that is intentionally inclusive and empowers individuals in a safe and respectful environment
Organizational Response and Remediation: Creates templates and process standards for intake and response to reports of inappropriate behavior and harassment
Training: Builds training materials, exercises, and resources to be adapted at institutions