Staff Committee on Inclusion and Climate

This committee was first established in 1989 as part of faculty-led affirmative action initiatives at Colgate. In 2016, the President's Cabinet and the Office of Equity and Diversity revived the SCIC, with each Cabinet member appointing a representative from their division.

Following the 2023 Supreme Court decision that prohibited the use of race in college admissions and a 2025 Executive Order that revoked Executive Order 11246, universities—including Colgate—are no longer required to consider race and sex in employment decisions. Nevertheless, federal contractors must still maintain affirmative action plans for veterans and individuals with disabilities. In response to these legal shifts, the SCIC's mission was refreshed in 2025.

In 2025, the committee also transitioned from the Division of the Dean of the Faculty to the Division of Equity and Diversity.

The Staff Committee on Inclusion and Climate (SCIC) monitors progress towards hiring and retaining non-academic administrators, professionals, and staff at Colgate University. The committee also works to improve the structural elements that impact the staff experience. We are committed to fostering a welcoming and connected workplace community for staff.

The SCIC shares responsibility with the Faculty Committee on Inclusion and Climate for reviewing university-provided data. This data includes the annual Affirmative Action Plan, the annual Hiring and Retention Report, triennial HEDS Climate Survey data, the Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan, and other staff climate survey data. The two committees will meet jointly at least once a year to make data-driven recommendations to the appropriate university divisions, addressing structural concerns and divisional parity identified during their review.

Throughout the academic year, committee members serve as Search Committee advocates, critically auditing the search process and making recommendations on staff hiring, retention, and professional development. Their goal is to create an inclusive and welcoming work environment where all staff can succeed. The committee also hosts at least one interdivisional meeting each year to discuss its charge, the hiring and retention report, and the federally required affirmative action report.

This institutional committee works collaboratively with other institutional governance committees and the Staff Affairs Council to ensure Colgate is the leading employer in New York State. Annually, the committee receives reports from the Divisions of Administration and Equity and Diversity on hiring and retention data, such as aggregated exit survey data, stay interview information, and aggregated salary, promotion, and performance management data. Additionally, the committee receives yearly updates on hiring and retention efforts from these divisions that are separate from the recommendations made by the SCIC and the Staff Affairs Council.

Its members, who serve three-year terms, support the work of the University’s Third Century Plan, specifically its first pillar of Attracting and Retaining Outstanding Staff. The committee includes individuals from across the University’s divisions, including part-time staff. The Vice President for Equity and Inclusion is responsible for approving and appointing the committee members.

• Fall: Onboarding New Committee members, Joint meeting with FCIC, Data Roadshows, Stay Interviews
• Spring: Hiring and Retention Data Analysis and Recommendations, Exit Survey Review
• In addition to Performance Review: Not usually attached to the performance review type discussions. Better to consider it off the review cycle.

Advancement

• Matt Carcella, associate vice president for alumni engagement and annual giving

Administration

• Andrew Fagon, assistant vice president for risk and strategic analysis
• Ameer Riley, administrative project assistant

Athletics

• Taja Dotson, assistant director of leadership and development

Communications

• TBD

Dean of the College

• Darline Wattles, associate director of the ALANA Cultural Center
• Kerra Hunter, associate dean and director of international student services
• Keith Watkins, assistant director of operations and assessment

Finance and Administration

• Matt Hill, architectural trades manager
• Molly Ogden, director of purchasing

Financial Aid

• Gabriela Marrero, associate dean of admission, coordinator of access and equity initiatives

Provost and Dean of the Faculty

• Rachel Amann-Burns, Upstate Institute program coordinator
• Gwynne Lim, institutional research analyst

Ex Officio

• Cherie Ball, director of talent acquisition and development
• Renee Madison, vice president for equity and inclusion
• Amari Simpson, director for diversity and equity
• Christopher Wells, vice president for administration

The chair or co-chairs play a strategic role in representing the charge and purpose of the Staff Committee on Inclusion and Climate (SCIC), leading the committee to fulfill its purpose.