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NORC at the University Chicago

DEI at NORC

Diversity is a core strength of the organization and key to our success. The quality of our work is enhanced by diverse perspectives, inclusive teams, and culturally responsive research methods.

Bringing demonstrated, measurable, and bold impacts to our work, world, and ways aligns with our morals and our mission. We are committed to making meaningful and transformative advances in our workplace and industry and aspire to create an environment where our people, culture, and research can thrive. 

Diverse group of professionals talking at a conference table

People

NORC aims to attract, retain, and develop a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work.

  • Equity Scholars Program. NORC mentors, upskills, and supports early career scholars conducting equity science research.  
  • Expanded Professional and Personal Development. NORC extends diversity, equity, and inclusion training, professional development, and informal learning opportunities to all staff.
  • Board Corporate Responsibility Committee. This Trustee subcommittee ensures our corporate responsibility efforts, including equity work, are prioritized, sustainable, and mission-aligned. 
Explore Careers at NORC

Culture

We are building a culture of continuous learning, investing in equity, and creating an organization where employees feel valued, included, and can belong. Each employee, department, and office contribute to shaping NORC’s culture and help set the stage for our diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging efforts.

Floating Day for Cultural Observance

All NORC employees receive one paid floating holiday to use for culturally specific observances, days of service, or other personal needs.

Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

This office oversees the development, implementation, and continuation of NORC’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

Employee Resource Groups

NORC staff have founded seven voluntary, employee-led, organizationally supported Employee Resource Groups (ERGs):

  • AMEMSA (Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim, and South Asian) ERG
  • Black and African American ERG
  • Diversability ERG
  • LatiNORC ERG 
  • Prismatic (LGBTQIA+) ERG
  • SHADES (She Has a Destiny Equally Shared, an
    ERG centering women of color) 
  • Veterans ERG 
Learn More About Our Commitment to Accessibility

Research

At the heart of NORC’s mission is our contribution to the world through our research. That contribution is enriched and made more meaningful because our work, partners, and respondents come from diverse backgrounds and our research methods are culturally responsive. We are deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and believe these values are essential to conducting research our clients can trust.

  • Center on Equity Research. This new center provides methodological advice to our colleagues to ensure that the surveys we conduct represent and include the diverse populations we study.

  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Innovation Fund. NORC provides grants to staff conducting culturally responsive and equitable evaluation (CREE), community participatory research, and other equity science projects. 

  • Evidence and Equity Collaborative. NORC has partnered with eight organizations to support diversity in our workplaces, strengthen inclusive practices in research, and build a foundation for more equitable analysis nationwide.