Office of Equity and Diversity
Fostering a diverse and inclusive Colgate community by increasing understanding, respect, and inclusion.
Mission
Our mission is to support campus diversity initiatives with the goal of increasing understanding, respect and inclusion, and to ensure compliance with policies relating to affirmative action, discrimination and harassment.
Understanding
diversity1 and building a diverse campus community are fundamental to Colgate’s
mission2. A variety of cultures and perspectives enriches the quality and texture of life, and the opportunity to express differing views and share different experiences is at the core of Colgate’s educational enterprise. Colgate is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse
faculty, staff, and student population, and we strive to be an inclusive community, one that embraces and explores difference in an environment of mutual respect, communication and
engagement3. We acknowledge that in order to fulfill our aspirations, we must free ourselves from
personal biases, ingrained social stereotypes, and institutionalized forms of discrimination4. While we recognize that there are challenges in the experience of diversity, we seek to face them in a spirit of growth and learning.
Footnotes
1 diversity
A commitment to diversity means understanding that each individual is unique and appreciating our individual differences in an environment that supports individual and collective achievement. These differences can include but are not limited to race; ethnicity; gender and gender expression; sexual orientation; socio-economic status; geographic background; national origin; culture; age; mental, cognitive and physical abilities; religious beliefs; and political beliefs.
2mission
See the university's mission statement.
A commitment to diversity is infused in the goals of a Colgate education, outlined in the university catalogue: “A Colgate education should enable students to: See themselves honestly and critically within a global and historical perspective, to recognize that their beliefs, identities, interests, and values are in part a reflection of their background, education, and life experiences. (…) Grow in both confidence and humility, to affirm a set of value while respecting and learning from the diverse perspectives, identities, ways of life, and philosophies of others.”
3 engagement
A true commitment to diversity means more than simple tolerance of difference. Inclusion requires the creation of an environment in which any individual or group can feel welcome, supported, and valued as a full participant. The creation of an inclusive community necessitates both the awareness of personal, cultural and institutionalized forms of discrimination and the active commitment to dismantle those barriers. Mutual respect for individual differences combined with the conscious act of building bridges across difference can promote a truly welcoming, inclusive environment where all individuals and groups are recognized and empowered.
Colgate recognizes that achieving our goal of a fully inclusive community requires ongoing efforts and sustained attention at all levels of the university. We are aware that impediments remain, particularly for people of color, for those who are socio-economically disadvantaged, and for the LGBTQ community, and Colgate is committed to addressing those concerns in a holistic manner that addresses both campus culture and our demographic composition.
4 personal biases, ingrained social stereotypes, and institutionalized forms of discrimination
At one time an all-male and all-white institution, Colgate has evolved over the years to admit women and students of color, to provide financial aid and diversify its academic offerings, and to employ affirmative action in its hiring practices to increase the number of women and people of color in its faculty and staff. These university-wide efforts are ongoing, but take place within the context of U.S. society. Assumptions about individuals and groups based on gender, race, class, sexual orientation, religion, etc. permeate our social environment and can only be unlearned through sustained, conscious personal effort. Colgate endeavors to provide its students with the opportunity to challenge those assumptions, to understand the complex relationship between self and society, to take a principled stand for what they believe, and to respect and learn from the diverse perspectives, identities, ways of life, and philosophies of others.
Strategic Goals
Strengthen diversity recruitment efforts.
Collaborate with the Provost & Dean of the Faculty Office and Human Resources as well as individual departments and search committees to employ recruitment efforts designed to attract and retain an excellent and diverse faculty and staff.
Respond to concerns regarding equity and diversity, including perceived discrimination and harassment.
Educate the campus community about the university’s Policy on Equal Opportunity, Nondiscrimination, Sexual Harassment and Other Forms of Harassment, and take steps for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints of harassment and discrimination, including Title IX complaints.
Offer diversity education opportunities for the Colgate community.
Provide discrimination and harassment prevention trainings and facilitate opportunities for dialogue across difference.
Coordinate campus-wide efforts to promote a welcoming and inclusive climate.
Design and implement integrated initiatives to increase understanding, respect, and inclusion.
Assess the progress of ongoing diversity efforts.
Establish benchmarks and implement coherent, systematic assessment of progress for faculty, staff, and students. Oversee the university’s response to campus climate surveys.
Develop strategies to communicate and publicize Colgate’s diversity achievements.
Provide up-to-date information on diversity programs and initiatives.