Impostor Syndrome (IS) is the feeling of inadequacy or self-doubt that individuals experience despite their actual accomplishments or qualifications.

IS and the hidden curriculum are prevalent in various settings, and they can have a significant impact on individuals' confidence, professional growth, and overall well-being. By fostering open discussions, providing support networks, and actively addressing these issues, we can create more inclusive and nurturing environments where individuals feel empowered to thrive.

Does some of your scholarly work have a JEDI focus? Are you worried that the work won’t “count” as much as the other aspects of your research when building your dossier for tenure? Although many institutions are including JEDI criteria for promotion, some places are still hesitant to value JEDI contributions.

The linked content on “Translating Equity-Minded Principles into Faculty Evaluation Reform” (O’Meara et al. 2022, American Council on Education) goes into detail on the “Measurement of Scholarly Impact” (page 8). They provide substantial literature on some of the current issues seen by JEDI researchers, and they suggest alternative ways of evaluating scholarship. In your research statement, you might consider using some of their alternative methods to highlight how your work has made an impact across a variety of settings.

When applying to an academic job, you may be asked to submit a written statement about your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Sometimes this statement is called a Diversity Statement or a DEI Statement. This statement tends to be a 1-2 page document that describes your experience in, commitment to, and vision for diversity, equity, and inclusion in a university or college setting. We describe DEI statements, their purpose, and why your DEI efforts matter.

Understanding that structural problems have created many of the systems which facilitate inequities in our communities is an important acknowledgement. However, many of us feel stuck and unable to change the policies and procedures which are part of our daily lives. It is worth pointing out that there is no silver bullet, and the work to be done is ongoing and takes all of us. If we are each able to make small changes, the work can come together to make big impacts. To this end, we’ve created a resource document with ideas on how you can work within your own community to push back on the status quo and to create an inclusive and equitable space for those around you.