The words “diversity” and “inclusion” have been top of mind students, university presidents, as well as employees and industry leaders in the last few years. A 2018 survey by the Society of Human Resource Management stated that 55-percent of respondents "very strongly" or "strongly agree" that their employers' policies promote diversity and inclusion. In 2017, a survey of more than 80 chief diversity officers found that 62-percent said that their positions were inaugural for their campuses—a sign that the chief diversity officer role continues to grow.

To gain the perspective of what colleges and universities are doing to address diversity and inclusion, Megan and Jason chat with Priya Doshi, a professor in American University’s School of Communication. Not only is Priya an outstanding strategic communicator, she is also AU SOC’s Inclusion Officer.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL HEAR:

• Megan and Jason discuss the importance of a diverse student body, faculty, and campus.
• Insights on a study on Diversity and Inclusivity for the next generation of neuroscientists and its relation to communications careers.
• What Megan and Jason’s universities are doing to address diversity and inclusion, with an example of AU SOC’s Center for Diversity and Inclusion.
• How Priya’s work in the classroom focuses on cross-cultural and international communication.
• The tactics we should use to ensure a welcoming and open-minded classroom.
• Priya’s proudest moment in her career as a PR pro and educator.

OUR SLICE OF THE WEEK How can you help make your part of the world more inclusive? Let us know by using #pintspizzaprofs on Twitter and @PintsPizzaProfs

LINKS: Priya Doshi’s bio: american.edu/soc/faculty/doshi.cfm American University Center for Diversity and Inclusion: https://www.american.edu/ocl/cdi/ Society of Human Resource Management 2018 Survey: http://bit.ly/2Nvk0Mn A Discussion of Diversity and Inclusivity at the Institutional Level: The Need for a Strategic Plan: http://bit.ly/2NnSyzY

WHERE TO FIND PINTS & PIZZA WITH PROFESSORS: Website: http://www.pintspizzaprofs.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pintspizzaprofs Instagram: @pintspizzaprofs Twitter: @pintspizzaprofs Snapchat: @pintspizzaprofs

Where to find Jason Mollica: Twitter: @JasMollica Instagram: @JasMollica

Where to find Megan Wagner: Instagram: @MeganMWagner Twitter: @MeganMWagner Website: http://www.meganmwagner.com