Office of Access and Community

Seen, heard, valued

The Gies Business Office of Access and Community is actively engaged in fostering an inclusive learning and working environment where all are seen, heard, and valued. We provide leadership to units to implement data-informed strategies that empower future business leaders, faculty, and staff to be culturally aware, actively anti-racist, and equity-minded.

We support the College’s Commitments and Beliefs through our intentional and collaborative engagement with alumni, community members, and corporate partners to reduce inequity, expand access, and enhance belonging. We believe that a more equitable future is necessary and becomes possible with the sincere investment of all.

Students Sitting at Tables in the Lincoln International Atrium at Business Instructional Facility

Banner displayed in BIF reading Seen. Heard. Valued.

Strategic initiatives

Here’s how we put “seen, heard, valued” into practice:

Consultative guidance for enhancing equity and inclusion
Training and development opportunities
Faculty and staff affinity groups
Student affinity groups
Collaborative programming

Faculty and staff affinity groups

These groups strive to foster a supportive environment for participants, elevate their voices, and provide visibility and resources for others within the College. They host workshops, webinars, member socials, guest speakers, and special student-facing events.

Black Faculty and Staff at Gies
LGBTQ+ and Allies at Gies
Women at Gies

Affinity groups are open to all faculty and staff. Email inclusion@business.illinois.edu to learn more.

Student affinity groups

Pride at Gies, an LGBTQ+ student affinity group, is open to all undergraduates pursuing a major or minor through Gies Business. To learn more or to inquire about other student affinity groups please email our office at inclusion@business.illinois.edu.

You can also find information for registered student organizations on Gies Groups.

Gies Business resources

Access and Engagement for Undergraduates
Embedded Counselor (assigned to Gies Business)
Student Success

Campus resources

Engage with the Office of Access and Community

Read Q&A with Director Contact Us

Nov 06

PODCAST: Associate Dean for Equity Denise Lewin Loyd

Professor of business administration and Vernon Zimmerman Faculty Fellow Denise Lewin Loyd discusses about the importance of diversity within teams - and how research shows it's not just the right way to go, but the best way to go.

Accountancy Alumni Business Administration Faculty Finance Student

Sep 19

Seen, heard, and valued: Bankhead leads with intent to include

Tekita Bankhead brings extensive experience in DEI work and mental health advocacy, directing teams and developing programming at the University of Illinois and across the US.

Accountancy Alumni Business Administration Faculty Finance Student

Jun 03

Twelve Gies faculty earn promotions for 2024

Promotion is a recognition of these faculty members’ ongoing dedication and productivity in the classroom and in the research field. Their efforts in these dual missions of the College elevate the reputation of Gies.

Accountancy Business Administration Faculty Research in Education

May 01

Gilmore Business and Social Innovation Fund created to support experiential learning

With a vision to bridge the gap between business and social innovation, the Gilmore Business and Social Innovation Fund will provide crucial support to both the Magelli Office of Experiential Learning at Gies Business and the Community Learning Lab at the School of Social Work.

Access Accountancy Alumni Business Administration Faculty Finance Giving Stories Student

Gies College of Business