Courageous Dialogue, Meaningful Action
Under the umbrella of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force, more than 100 faculty, students, administrators, staff and community members served on 10 working groups during the Fall 2020 semester to engage in a holistic review of and action plan to address racism that exists on our campus and in our surrounding communities. This report presents the operational plan to implement the actions recommended by the working groups and accepted by the university.
Following an intense, collaborative planning process, the Mount launched a second iteration of a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Strategic Plan aligned with the university’s goals articulated in the 2018-23 University Strategic Plan. This five-year plan shows our renewed pledge for developing a diverse university community while creating an inclusive and equitable campus climate. Contributions from all campus constituencies has been essential in helping guide the DEI process toward creative and successful outcomes. It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the website for diversity, equity and inclusion at Mount St. Mary’s University.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The Mount Inclusive Excellence Committee (MIEC) has long been committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and laid the groundwork for inclusion as an objective in the 2018-23 Strategic Plan under the goal of having a culture of teamwork. The objective states: “Ensure our campus environment is welcoming to all who seek to live, learn, and worship.” MIEC has created action plans for both 2018-19 and 2019-20 designed to lead to accomplishment of the objective.
The Mount Inclusive Excellence Committee (MIEC) is responsible for developing the university diversity, equity and inclusion plan. It was first formed in 2013. It is chaired by Vice President for Equity and Success Paula Whetsel-Ribeau, Ph.D. It is comprised of representatives from all campus constituencies.
The MIEC is currently at work developing a five year Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategic Plan to support Goal 6.2 of the 2018-23 University Strategic Plan.
The Mount Inclusive Excellence Committee (MIEC) is responsible for developing the university diversity, equity and inclusion plan. MIEC will support the diversity, equity and inclusion efforts of administrative units of the university. The committee aims to improve and sustain a culture where everyone is treated with dignity and respect and feels like a valued member of the university community.
MIEC is a standing committee that reports to Mount Council. MIEC also serves in an advisory capacity to the president on matters related to diversity, equity and inclusion.
MIEC advises the president in addressing the following objectives. These are the ends we will advance toward as we seek diversity, equity and inclusive excellence.
Members are appointed by the vice presidents / provost and include representatives from: Office of Admissions, Student Life (four), faculty (one from each school / college / division), University Marketing & Communications, Public Safety, Learning Services, Department of Athletics, an administrative assistant and two students.
MIEC is chaired by the vice president for equity and success.
During the academic year, MIEC holds two 90-minute meetings each month depending on faculty schedules. Minutes of meetings, once approved, are posted on the shared governance site. Some materials reviewed will remain confidential at the discretion of the committee.
Official actions taken by the committee are decided upon a vote. Voting is typically conducted in-person during our meetings. In the event that a vote is time-sensitive and needed prior to the next meeting, a special vote will be held via email with the members of the committee. The chair will pose and clearly explain the subject of the vote and seek questions. The results of the vote will be shared with committee members upon the completion of the vote.
The MIEC reviews its charter each year at the first meeting of the year. The MIEC will evaluate its efforts very five years.
A majority vote of members may revise or amend the MIEC Charter.
Paula Whetsel-Ribeau, Ph.D.
Committee Chair
Vice President and Chief Equity & People Officer
Rosie Bolen, Ph.D.
Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training & Development
Alejandro Cañadas, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Richard J. Bolte, Sr. School of Business
Carolyn Cook
Associate Professor
School of Education
Jose Del Valle
Student Success Coach
Center for Student Engagement and Success
Molly Kennedy
Admissions Counselor
Office of Admissions
Donna Klinger
Executive Director of Communications
Office of University Marketing & Communications
Francis Lukban
Director of the Center for Service
Gayle Luksic
Designated Recorder
Executive Assistant
Office of Equity and Success
Denise Marjarum
Director of Learning Services
Brenda McKeel
Dean’s Assistant
College of Liberal Arts
Christina Ryder
Assistant Controller/Budget Director
Accounting and Financial Affairs
Chastidy Thomas
Executive Assistant
Office of the Provost
Analia Williams, C'23
Student
The President’s Advisory Council for DEI, established and appointed by the president in the academic school year 2018-19 is comprised of students, faculty and administrators. It is a forum for active participation of representative campus constituencies to ensure a welcoming and inclusive community related to diversity, equity and inclusion. The Council is charged to:
Jackie Candito, C’23
Jennifer Cuadra, C’25
Patrick Daum, C’22
Marcos Gonzalez-Sambolin, C’22
Ron Hibbard
Director of Public Safety
Emmy Jansen, C’23
Rev. Martin Moran
Chaplain
Efosa Omorogbe, C’24
Shahanaaz Soumah, C’22
Timothy E. Trainor, Ph.D.
President
Paula Whetsel-Ribeau, Ph.D.
Vice President and Chief Equity & People Officer
Analia Williams, C’23