Author Profile

Unconscious Bias Faculty Training

Yael Levitte, Cornell University

Program Description

The Office of Faculty Development and Diversity and The Cornell Interactive Theatre Ensemble (CITE) offer a workshop focused on establishing an effective search and addressing issues such as unconscious bias and proactive recruitment.

Program Goals

To raise awareness and provide tools for addressing biases in the search process.

Program Activities

Create videos and training sessions to increase the awareness of unconscious bias during the faculty search process, with a goal of diversifying the candidate pool and the faculty hires. These videos and trainings are for search committees and faculty who may participate in the search process.

Necessary Resources

Strong administrative support is needed. Many deans require all search committee members and chairs to attend attend this training, and the provosts have advanced these efforts.

Evidence of Success

Faculty diversity at Cornell has been improved, with more hires from diverse backgrounds.

Program Costs and ROI

  • Cost of this initiative in its first year (including start-up costs): $20,000 to produce the DVD and for actor fees
  • Average yearly costs to maintain this initiative: $2,500
  • Average number of individuals served per year by this initiative: 51-10 at Cornell and another 250 annually at other institutions

References and Accessory Materials

Cornell University Office of Faculty Development and Diversity

Best Practices in Faculty Recruitment and Hiring