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:
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.
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 Affirmative Action & Equal Opportunity will both serve as ex-officio members.
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.
DEIJ Committees Unified Recommendations 2022-2023
The Advisory Committee for Equal Opportunity, Diversity, & Affirmative Action is explicitly derived from the state-wide Equal Opportunity, Diversity, & Affirmative Action Plan.
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 Affirmative Action & Equal Opportunity will both serve as ex-officio members.
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 2-year period.
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.
Diversity Mini Grant Application and Guidelines Diversity & Inclusion Strategy
The Bias Incident Response 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.
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 Affirmative Action & Equal Opportunity will both serve as ex-officio members.
The BIRT will meet three times per semester as a large group to discuss educational campus activities and response processes. If an incident requires an 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 2-year period.
The mission of the LGBTQ+ Advisory Group is to advocate for the needs of the LGBTQ+ community and work towards a campus culture where members of the LGBTQ+ community are welcomed and respected.
The LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee will have 2 co-chairs, and will be comprised of faculty, staff and students. The Executive Director of Affirmative Action & Equal Opportunity will serve as an ex-officio member.
*If you would like to join a DEIJ Committee please contact our office diversity@worcester.edu
