1. What is the Commission on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (CDEI)?

The Commission on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion began in 2009 as the Taskforce on Diversity within the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE). Its mission is to create strategic plans and systemic policies to increase diversity in engineering, supporting the ASEE Board in fostering equity and inclusivity in engineering education.

2. What is the difference between an ASEE Division and a Commission?

Divisions connect ASEE members by professional interests, while Commissions like CDEI serve across all of ASEE, focusing on the organization’s strategic priorities. Commissions are open to all and work with ASEE units and partners to promote ASEE’s strategies.

3. Who can participate in the CDEI?

CDEI is open to Standing Members, Division and Section Delegates, and Friends. Standing Members are appointed from diversity-serving divisions and organizational councils. All ASEE Divisions can nominate a Delegate to serve on the Commission, while other members can join as Friends.

4. Does CDEI solicit papers like divisions do?

No, CDEI does not solicit papers. Instead, it focuses on running professional development workshops and best paper competitions. The decision to stop paper solicitation was made by the board in 2017.

5. What are DEI 100 and 200?

DEI 100 and 200 are open-source curricula designed to enhance understanding and practices related to diversity, equity, and inclusion:

• DEI 100: An introductory session that encourages participants to explore their identities, privileges, biases, and beliefs.
• DEI 200: Focuses on systems-thinking to identify successes and opportunities for improvement in organizations. These curricula can be accessed at https://diversity.asee.org/deicommittee/dei-100-200/.

6. What are the committees within CDEI?

CDEI has several committees including:

• Awards Committee: Manages diversity-related award selections.
• Communications Committee: Handles all communication efforts.
• Conference Planning Committee: Oversees program activities at conferences.
• Policy & Letters Committee: Drafts responses to key events for advocacy.
• Professional Development Committee: Increases capacity to advance DEI.
• Strategic Planning & Assessment Committee: Tracks progress of the strategic plan.
• Additional teams include the Spotlight Team, Outreach Team, Institutional Change Team, Encouragement Team, and Community Building Team.

7. How do I earn ASEE’s diversity recognition?

Diversity recognition is managed by the ASEE Dean’s Council and is separate from CDEI activities.

8. How do I write a good diversity paper?

A good diversity paper should focus on inclusivity and equity, centering on intentional efforts to progress diversity in engineering education. It should be informed by existing theories, illustrate real efforts for increased diversity and inclusivity, and possibly address challenges and barriers in the process. Nominations for the ASEE Best Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Paper Award are handled by program chairs and section/zone leadership.

9. How can I get involved with the CDEI?

There are several ways to get involved with the CDEI:

1. Join a Committee or Team: Participate in any of the operational or special project teams.
2. Join Our Mailing List: Stay updated with the latest news and activities.
3. Submit a Workshop Proposal: Contribute to our ongoing virtual series or the annual conference.
4. Present DEI100 or DEI200: Lead these sessions at your regional conference.
5. Write a DEI Paper: Engage in scholarly writing to contribute to the field of DEI in engineering.