Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Strength of a Diverse Community and the Power of an Inclusive Culture

Excelsior College values students, instructors, employees, and all members of its worldwide community, and actively develops practices and policies that promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Excelsior College strives to integrate the dynamic concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects the College, including through the recruitment and retention of students, faculty, and staff who reflect the society in which we live; curriculum development and academic advising; the delivery of services; the encouragement of volunteerism among our faculty, staff, and alumni; and participation in educational programs, training, cultural events, celebrations, and other awareness activities.

Diversity is acknowledging the uniqueness of individuals and respecting our differences as well as acknowledging the visible and invisible differences that are manifested in our thinking, beliefs, and behaviors. These differences include, but are not limited to, race; color; ethnicity; sex; age; gender; sexual orientation; religious beliefs; pregnancy and family status; socioeconomic status; national origin; first language; physical, cognitive, and mental abilities; and military, veteran, employment, and academic status.

At Excelsior, respecting diversity is about celebrating individual differences and incorporating multifaceted perspectives into business operations and the educational experience. Consideration for the needs of our diverse stakeholders is manifested by cross-college participation on the President’s Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with representation on College councils and in an online academic setting that has incorporated global understanding as a general education career competency.

Equity is providing the unique combination of treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement that we need for full participation and agency. This includes eliminating barriers for all, with emphasis on historically underserved and underrepresented populations, from access, opportunities, advancement, or success. Assistance may include, but is not limited to, providing accommodations and support for educational resources, academic guidance, time, finances, language, transportation, and technology.

At Excelsior, creating an equitable environment includes an operational governance function that is shared and collaborative, providing an opportunity to for all stakeholders to contribute. A robust platform for virtual attendance and contribution minimizes barriers for committee participation. Excelsior College is committed to the principle that every individual should have an equal opportunity to enroll in an Excelsior College degree program, to demonstrate their knowledge and skills under appropriate conditions, and to complete a degree.

Inclusion is incorporating and cultivating a representation of a diverse group of individuals, especially historically underserved and underrepresented populations, in meetings, conversations, activities, committees, policy making, task forces, and classes where every voice is heard and valued. We expect the engagement of everyone so a sense of belonging can be promoted and sustained. We respect everyone’s inherent worth and dignity so we can all achieve our highest potential.

At Excelsior, inclusion is about leveraging these differences and maximizing individual contributions in a way that enhances organizational effectiveness. We celebrate our commonalities and the cultural experiences and resources that sustain our competitive advantage and enhance our community. Here, contrasting viewpoints represent learning opportunities; commitment to cooperation and inclusion leads to the common good; and diverse individuals work in cooperation with one another as responsible citizens in a learning community to achieve positive outcomes.

Excelsior College proactively:

  • Recruits and retains students, faculty, and staff who reflect the diverse society in which we live.
  • Develops program curricula that incorporate global perspectives.
  • Infuses diversity, equity, and inclusion into the curricula of all courses and the course development process
  • Encourages and financially supports volunteerism among faculty, staff, and alumni.
  • Participates in and hosts educational programs, cultural events, and other celebrations and awareness-raising activities.

THE PRESIDENT’S COMMITTEE ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

The mission of the President’s Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (PCDEI) is to promote diversity and assist the president of the College in creating and maintaining an inclusive environment for the Excelsior community.

The purpose of the PCDEI is to develop and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion programs that enrich the working and learning environment at Excelsior. In addition, PCDEI looks at strategic opportunities to promote the business case for diversity and meet the needs of students, faculty, employees, stakeholders, and other constituents.

  • Provide educational and training programs that enhance employees’ ability to work in a multicultural environment and serve diverse students.
  • Recommend to the president ways to reach out to diverse populations to enhance name recognition of Excelsior College both locally and nationally.
  • Collaborate with all offices and units of Excelsior College to be of assistance on issues of inclusion.
  • Foster a sense of belonging for all; create and sustain a diverse community in an environment of equity and inclusion for employees (faculty, administrators, and staff), that embraces diversity as a strength and is inclusive of all perspectives and backgrounds.


For more information, contact Toby L. Hamlin, diversity coordinator/executive assistant to the vice president for human resources, at 518-608-8218 or thamlin@excelsior.edu.

COMMON READ

Excelsior College’s Common Read program invites students, alumni, faculty, and staff to participate in a shared reading experience. Common Read engages the College community to examine and better understand topics such as diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice through many perspectives.

The book for the current Common Read is “Born a Crime” by Trevor Noah. The title received the most votes in a survey of members of the Excelsior community. The book is available in the Excelsior College Bookstore in hardcover, paperback, and audio versions.

Those interested in participating in the Common Read are invited to read the book and plan to join a virtual discussion in March. Participants will be able to select from several dates and times to join other members of the Excelsior community for a group discussion. Learn more.