Dr. Alfreda Brown, vice president of the division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, has rolled out the 100 Commitments initiative to the leaders of Kent State University. The goal is to help each unit in the university engage faculty and staff in embracing inclusive excellence. The 100 Commitments team recognizes that each person here comes from different backgrounds, has different experiences and acquires different opinions and characteristics. We want Kent State employees to explore, learn, share and understand the uniqueness of the people who make up the Kent State community.

100 Commitments begins with a celebration called "R U KSU?". R U KSU? is a three-day series of events that commences on Monday, Sept. 27, to celebrate the diverse collection of student organizations at Kent State. The universitywide kickoff takes place from noon to 3 p.m. along the University Esplanade in front of the MAC Center. The event will include games, contests, giveaways and a variety of live entertainment.

Additional events over the course of the three days include:

• R U Kouture?! Transcultural Fashion Show
  Sept. 27, 7-8:30 p.m., Kent Student Center Ballroom
• New Modern Family: A Conversation About Today's Family Structure
  Sept. 28, 7:30-9 p.m., Kent Student Center Room 306
• True Beauty: Art Exhibit that Redefines the Concept of Beauty for Women of All Cultures Sept. 29, noon-3 p.m. Kent Student Center second floor and Multicultural Center

Each division is encouraged to participate in the 100 Commitments initiative to demonstrate commitment to inclusive excellence at Kent State University. Please attempt at least half of the commitments, which are activities that allow you to explore, learn, share and understand things about the people with whom you interact every day at Kent State. The activities are fun and engaging, such as reading an article, watching a movie or engaging in conversation. Go to www.kent.edu/100commitments to learn more about participation and registration!

You can also show your commitment by planning diversity-related activities, programs and coursework or providing relevant articles, websites, organizations and attractions to 100commitments@kent.edu for inclusion in our Online Resource Library. By doing so, your organization or event will be seen by those participating in 100 Commitments.

Register today and take this opportunity to help the university show its commitment to Inclusive Excellence by instituting 100 Commitments in your unit. Your participation in the 100 Commitments initiative will help fulfill the University's strategic plan and the inclusive excellence agenda in the division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Learn more about RUKSU? here.

It's time to commit to inclusive excellence at Kent State University. Together, we can make the strategic plan a strategic reality!