Committees

At Worcester State University, diversity, equity, inclusion, and social and racial justice are advanced through each and every one of the DEI committees charged with different aspects of, and approaches to, immediate action, and short and long-term initiatives.

Those committees are outlined here:

Campus Climate Committee

The Campus Climate Committee (CCC) works collaboratively on a multi-stage approach to evaluate diversity, inclusion and equity, utilizing quantitative and qualitative data, to propose, design, and assess short and long-term systemic initiatives.

Charge

1. To effectuate the University’s mission: Worcester State University champions academic excellence in a diverse, student-centered environment that fosters scholarship, creativity, and global awareness. A Worcester State education equips students with knowledge and skills necessary for lives of professional accomplishment, engaged citizenship, and intellectual growth; and
2. To implement the President’s Five Point Plan of Action, Toward a More Inclusive Campus Climate:
   1. classroom context
   2. student engagement
   3. cross-racial interactions
   4. cultural competency training
   5. diversity in all hiring processes
3. To report activities and recommendations to the President annually.

Composition

The Provost will serve as the executive chair of CCC, with 2 co-chairs (1 staff, 1 faculty) who will assist in convening meetings, lead data-based conversations, and ensure committee work is completed. Ideally, the CCC will have a minimum of 4 faculty, 4 staff, and 3 students. The Assistant Vice President of Employee Services, and AAEO, the Executive Director of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging will both serve as ex-officio members.

Commitment

The CCC will meet once per month during the academic year as a large group to share subcommittee findings. Subcommittee meetings will meet once per month during the academic year. Members are expected to attend all meetings and serve for a minimum 2-year period.

Advisory Committee for Equal Opportunity, Diversity, & Affirmative Action

The Advisory Committee for Equal Opportunity, Diversity, & Affirmative Action is explicitly derived from the state-wide Equal Opportunity, Diversity, & Affirmative Action Plan.

Charge

1. To serve as an advisory group to the President;
2. To evaluate institutional compliance with respect to all equal opportunity, diversity, and affirmative action programs, and to recommend appropriate strategies to the President;
3. To keep informed as to federal and state laws and regulations as well as institutional policies impacting equal opportunity, diversity, and affirmative action; and
4. To make recommendations (annually) to the President as well as respective campus and governance committees concerning effective implementation of the University’s Equal Opportunity, Diversity, & Affirmative Action Plan.

Composition

The advisory committee will have 2 co-chairs (1 staff, 1 faculty) and will be comprised of a minimum of 2 faculty, 4 staff, and 2 students. The Assistant Vice President of Employee Services, and AAEO, the Executive Director of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging will both serve as ex-officio members.

Commitment

The committee will meet three times per semester, in addition to subcommittee meetings. Members are expected to attend all meetings, and serve for a minimum of 2 years.

Diversity Mini-Grant

Worcester State University strives to foster a campus climate that promotes the intellectual examination of the experiences, perspectives, and contributions of the diverse cultures and groups that make up the Worcester State community. In this spirit, students, faculty, and staff are invited to submit their ideas about increasing equity, diversity, and inclusion within the Worcester State community. Ideas that meet the mini-grant guidelines may be funded up to $300.

The Diversity Mini-Grant aims to encourage networking and collaborative diversity programming between faculty, staff, and student groups focused on making the Worcester State community climate welcoming to all its members.

All proposals must be consistent with Worcester State University policies and procedures and any events must be held on campus.

Supporting Documents

Diversity Mini Grant Application and Guidelines
Diversity & Inclusion Strategy

Bias Incident Review Team

The Bias Incident Review Team (BIRT) is responsible for providing a comprehensive approach to addressing incidents of bias that challenge the University’s mission, core values, civility policies, policies against discrimination, discriminatory harassment, and retaliation, and efforts toward improving campus climate.

Charge

1. To promote a safe and welcoming climate that is open to all;
2. To provide care, support, resources, and education to individuals or groups who are the targets of bias incident and/or hate crimes and to the campus community concerning the resulting impact;
3. To funnel reported incidents to the appropriate office for investigation and/or discipline;
4. To recommend appropriate programs that are both preventative and responsive to bias incidents and hate crimes;
5. To document and monitor reported incidents of bias and hate.

Composition

The BIRT will have 2 co-chairs (1 staff, 1 faculty) and will be comprised of the Directors of the Counseling Center, Multicultural Affairs, Residence Life, and University Police, as well as the Assistant Vice President for Communications and Marketing, Student Conduct Coordinator, Title IX Coordinator, 2 faculty members, and 4 students (including student trustee). The Assistant Vice President of Employee Services, and AAEO, the Executive Director of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging will both serve as ex-officio members.

Commitment

The BIRT will meet three times per semester as a large group to discuss educational campus activities and response processes. If an incident requires immediate campus communication, the BIRT will meet within 48 hours and will work with appropriate offices in communicating facts relating to the incident and relevant procedures following the receipt of a reported incident. Members are expected to attend all meetings and serve for a minimum of 2 years.

LGBTQIA+ Advisory Group

The mission of the LGBTQIA+ Advisory Group is to advocate for the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community and work towards a campus culture where members of the LGBTQIA+ community are welcomed and respected.

Charge

1. To identify and provide educational resources and programs supporting and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community;
2. To collaborate with Worcester State offices, programs, and groups that address the needs of the LGBTQ+ community;
3. To make recommendations (annually) to the Office of Diversity and Inclusion about policies, programs, and services for LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff at Worcester State.

Composition

The LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee will have 2 co-chairs, and will be comprised of faculty, staff and students. The Executive Director of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging will serve as an ex-officio member.

Commitment

The committee will meet three times per semester, in addition to subcommittee meetings. Members are expected to attend all meetings, and serve for a minimum of 2 years.

*If you would like to join a committee, please email belonging@worcester.edu