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Jennifer Jones
Executive Director for Student Development & Director of Social Change and Intercultural Engagement
In the Fall of 2020, SMU's Chief Diversity Officer, Dr. Maria Dixon Hall, announced the formation of the University Diversity Council. There are 15 members that make up the council and each work in their respective area to ensure that the efforts of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion are coordinated across campus. Jennifer Jones represents the Division of Student Affairs as a member of the council. She works with all areas of Student Affairs as a resource during the search and hiring process of new staff members and serves as the lead trainer for the CIQ@SMU curriculum.
Jennifer Jones has been on staff at SMU for more than 30 years and was named a 2016 History Maker by the Black Alumni of SMU. She joined SMU in 1985, serving 16 years with Residence Life and Student Housing before becoming director of Multicultural Student Affairs and later assistant dean of student life/director of student activities and multicultural student affairs. She has advised the Student Senate and the directors of the Women & LGBT Center, family and parent programs, and the associate dean of the Caring Community Connections program.
The Diversity Officer for Student Affairs serves as a counsel and a resource to the Vice President for Student Affairs regarding issues of diversity and inclusion. They serve as the lead trainer of the CIQ@SMU curriculum for Student Affairs and student organizations. The position reports to the Vice President for Student Affairs.
Essential Functions
- Serves as the primary coordinator and trainer of Student Affairs and student organizations CIQ training. This includes distribution of educational and informative resources relevant for Student Affairs work; providing educational interventions for Student Affairs staff, or students; and developing contextually relevant workshops for Student Affairs staff in the areas of recruitment, selection, and retention.
- Documents and brings to the attention of the Vice President for Student Affairs attention policies, practices, or individuals that may serve to impede the creation or maintenance of a civil, respectful, and inclusive workplace environment.
- Serves as the front-line point of contact for a unit's members concerns regarding issues of diversity, inclusion, or equity through providing basic counsel and identifying resources and next steps.
- Serves as resource for Student Affairs hiring managers and search committee chairpersons by ensuring compliance with hiring and training requirements for Student Affairs search processes.
Examples of when you would contact the Diversity Officer
- You are entering into a hiring search
- You would need CIQ training for student groups or staff
- You have a question and are seeking advice or suggestions on dealing with issues in the areas of diversity, inclusion, or equity
Contact the Student Affairs Diversity Officer
