Equity and Excellence Plan 2.0

A Blueprint for Access, Belonging, Representation, and Impact

IMSA’s Equity and Excellence Plan 2.0 is a renewed commitment to ensuring that every member of our community—students, staff, and faculty—thrives in an inclusive, equitable, and empowering environment. Building on the foundation of our first plan and guided by data, reflection, and community voice, we aim to operationalize IMSA’s Equity and Excellence Policy. This second iteration reimagines equity through a shared responsibility for belonging, access, and opportunity.

Under the leadership of Dr. Adrienne Coleman, Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, a DEIU Leadership Team of more than 20 students and 20 faculty and staff members is playing a pivotal role in advancing the Plan. The team is guiding implementation and ensuring measurable progress toward the plan’s four central priority outcomes, which define what it means for IMSA to truly integrate equity and excellence into every facet of its mission.

The plan’s four pillars define the essential outcomes that will move IMSA toward a future where inclusion and excellence are inseparable. The progress our community makes on the pillars is being monitored through a public-facing Equity and Excellence Dashboard.

	Pillar 1: Inclusive and Unified Culture We envision a community where every staff and faculty member feels valued, supported, and connected to our shared purpose. This pillar focuses on cultivating psychological safety, promoting open dialogue, and embedding equity in every aspect of IMSA’s culture. When inclusion is the norm, collaboration flourishes—and everyone can bring their best self to the work of transforming lives. View Updates
	Pillar 2: Diverse and Culturally Competent Staff and Faculty Our strength lies in the diversity of people and perspectives that shape IMSA. This pillar advances the recruitment, retention, and development of staff and faculty who reflect a wide range of identities and experiences. It emphasizes cultural competence as a cornerstone of teaching, leadership, and engagement—ensuring that all adults at IMSA are equipped to support and inspire students from every background. View Updates
	Pillar 3: Student Belonging and Psychological Safety At the heart of IMSA’s mission is the well-being and success of our students. This pillar centers on creating an environment where every student feels safe, seen, and supported. By fostering belonging, strengthening teacher-student relationships, and promoting identity safety, IMSA empowers students to reach their full potential—academically, socially, and personally. View Updates
	Pillar 4: Equity and Accessibility in STEM Statewide IMSA’s reach extends beyond its campus. This pillar affirms our commitment to expanding equitable access to STEM education across Illinois, especially for students from culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse backgrounds. Through partnerships, outreach, and innovative programming, IMSA seeks to close equity gaps and ensure that the future of STEM reflects the diversity and brilliance of our state. View Updates