The Office of Institutional Culture promotes practices and behaviors that uphold a culture of belonging among students, faculty, and staff of the University of Miami. Our four main initiatives include:
Unit Consultations
Creating a culture of belonging is a University-wide initiative, but a positive workplace culture is often developed at the unit level. The office is available to consult directly with individual units to develop a customized learning platform appropriate for each audience.
Online Tools
Our team has developed online tools that can be used to promote a culture of belonging. Tools such Thank a ’Cane and Recognize a ’Cane encourage employee recognition, an important component of making our colleagues feel valued. Connect 2 ’Canes allows employees to form groups around common interests. All of our tools are available HERE.
UDialogue
UDialogue is the University’s initiative for intergroup dialogue, an evidence-based practice that presents opportunities for dialogue across different social identities. A new Intergroup Dialogue course is part of the Educational Innovation Quality Enhancement Program on Dialogue and Discussion-Based Learning. Learn more about UDialogue.
Measurement
The Office of Institutional Culture developed the University of Miami Culture Index for employees, which assesses the culture at three levels: supervisor, colleagues, and the University. We also administered a Culture of Belonging Barometer for students to assess whether the University is making progress toward a culture where students feel valued and have an opportunity to be actively engaged in University life.
