Advocates

Expectations of Faculty and Staff Allies include to: 

• Be a visible ally. Allies will be publicly identified as persons that students can come to for support or to confidentially debrief and/or problem solve a situation.  
• Make deeper relationships. Allies will be available as mentors to underrepresented students to help them navigate the academic environment, address obstacles, and reduce feelings of isolation. Allies will also be willing to develop genuine connections with students by gaining a fuller picture of their lives and concerns.  
• Show up. In partnership with the Diversity Committee, Allies will help plan and attend IDEA social functions for underrepresented students, as well as whole community engagement activities to nurture a welcoming and inclusive climate in the School of Nursing. 
• Respond. When an event happens within the School of Nursing, on Grounds, or outside of UVA that has potential impact on our students, especially underrepresented students, Allies will serve as first responders. This entails being visibly available to students in distress and working with the IDEA Team and the Diversity Committee to systematically address these issues in a timely and respectful fashion. While it is our aim to have all faculty and staff be considered as supportive allies to our students, the role of Faculty and Staff Ally fills a gap that underrepresented students have identified and is above and beyond the usual advising role.