Diversity Statement
Our Commitment
Founded upon the values of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, Notre Dame de Namur University is committed to addressing the constantly changing educational needs of our diverse society. In our commitment to diversity, we seek to create a sense of belonging, involvement, and sharing and to understand and accept differences. The NDNU community welcomes, celebrates, promotes, and respects the entire variety of human experience. Dimensions of diversity include, but are not limited to, race, ethnicity, religious belief, sexual orientation, sex/gender, disability, socioeconomic status, cultural orientation, national origin, and age. Recognition and promotion of the strength and value of diversity will be coordinated with our recruitment and admission of students, curriculum, student life, staffing, campus facilities, community services, events, and training and development.
Diversity Council
The Diversity Council meets monthly to advise the President on ways to implement a comprehensive program for the development of a multi racial, multicultural, inclusive community. Members actively facilitate and promote ongoing opportunities for campus-wide discussion relating to diversity, create an environment that fosters behaviors that model an appreciation of diversity, report annually to the University constituency on the work of the council and progress made toward stated goals, and revise stated goals as needed.
Current membership:
- Bobby Vaughn (Chair), Special Assistant to the President
- Aric Agresti, VP Development and Advancement
- Linh Bui, Student, SBM
- Erica Dominguez, Director, STARS Grant
- Caryl Hodges, Dean, School of Education
- Linnaea Knisely, EA to the Provost and Senior Vice President
- Deirdre Sargent, Director, Events and Conferences
- Randall Sessler, Dean, Student Academic Success
- Marta Sniezek, Advancement Associate
- Greg White, Provost and Senior Vice President
Belong Network
NDNU is an active member of the Belong Consortium, a network of Council for Independent Colleges member institutions dedicated to making their campuses more welcoming and inclusive. Designed in partnership with the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE), Belong offers a suite of professional development resources for faculty and staff to support student belonging in class and campus-wide. Belong equips faculty and staff with evidence-based skills and knowledge that increase student belonging and advance campus retention efforts and reflects NDNU’s mission and values.
Belong Resources
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Inclusive Teaching Toolkit
As seen in the ACUE resource: “Student Success through Exceptional Teaching.”
- Ensure Your Course Reflects a Diverse Society and World
- Ensure Course Media are Accessible
- Ensure Your Syllabus Sets the Tone for Diversity and Inclusion
- Use Inclusive Language
- Share Your Gender Pronouns
- Learn and Use Students’ Preferred Names
- Engage Students in a Small Group Introductions Activity
- Use an Interest Survey to Connect with Students
- Offer Inclusive Office Hours
- Set Expectations for Valuing Diverse Viewpoints
Belong Events
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Student Resources
Undergraduate and Graduate Students at NDNU have access to a broad range of support services, including but not limited to social, emotional, and academic support; career assistance; and financial help. These services supplement academic programming by providing counseling, mentoring, career development, and financial support to assist our students to stay enrolled and complete a degree.
NDNU STARS Program Supporting Transfer Students
As a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), NDNU leverages a Title V Federal grant to support the STARS project, a cornerstone initiative for undergraduate students transitioning from community colleges as well as those following traditional pathways. This program is a testament to NDNU’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity, reflecting our HSI designation’s core values.
Focus Areas
The STARS project at NDNU targets three critical areas to support our students:
- Transfer and Articulation: Streamlining the transition for students transferring from community colleges, ensuring a smooth and integrated educational journey.
- Retention and Graduation: Providing the necessary resources and support to ensure students stay on track to successfully complete their degrees.
- Professional Development: Offering opportunities for students to develop essential skills and prepare for their future careers.
As an HSI, NDNU is uniquely positioned to empower students from diverse backgrounds to achieve their academic and career goals. The STARS project is a reflection of our commitment to this mission, fostering an environment where all students can thrive.
Resources for Graduate Students
E3@NDNU: Supporting our Graduate Students in all their Diversity
E3@NDNU is designed to significantly enhance the educational journey and professional development of our graduate students through a comprehensive suite of support services and programs. With this grant, NDNU proudly offers:
- Development of the MA DEI Leadership Program: A groundbreaking master’s program focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Leadership, preparing future leaders to create inclusive environments in all sectors.
- Comprehensive Support Services: Our graduate students will benefit from an expanded range of services tailored to their needs, including counseling, mentoring, career development, and financial/scholarship support. These services aim to ensure that every student has the resources and guidance necessary to thrive academically and professionally.
- Professional Development Opportunities: Recognizing the importance of culturally-responsive practices, NDNU is dedicated to providing professional development opportunities for faculty and staff. These initiatives are designed to enhance our community’s ability to support a diverse student population effectively.
This federal funding is not just an investment in NDNU; it’s an investment in our students’ futures and in building a more inclusive world.
Student Academic Success
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Student Accessibility Services
Masters Diversity Equity Inclusion and Leadership Program
The MA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership at NDNU is an interdisciplinary program designed to train effective, informed, and agile leaders who understand the complex terrain of inequality, bias, and social justice and who are prepared to lead organizational change and transformation. The program focuses on leadership competencies, deep knowledge in the field, and applied diversity, equity, and social justice experiences. Substantial grant support enables comprehensive support of students who choose this program as well as the chance to design and implement change in their professional and personal communities.
HR Policies
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