At Fitchburg State, we seek to create and foster a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). This page includes information and resources about our institutional commitment, as well as ways we are encouraging all the members of our campus to build the community we want to inhabit.
Action Items
The Fitchburg State community is actively engaged in the work of creating a welcoming campus. Here are some of the projects we are working on now.
| Action Item | Level and Responsible Office | New/Ongoing/Heightened Priority | Status |
| Launch a new website that will focus on DEI at Fitchburg State. |
Institutional Leading for Change, Marketing and Integrated Communications |
New | In design phase |
| Restructure Leading for Change (our campus-wide committee focusing on DEI) to include students as part of the team and foster specific initiatives for students, staff and faculty, and the curriculum and teaching. |
Institutional Leading for Change |
New | Done |
| Report out at least once a semester on the work of Leading for Change and highlights they are aware of from across campus |
Institutional Leading for Change |
New | In process |
| Action Item | Level and Responsible Office | New/Ongoing/Heightened Priority | Status |
| Adopt a university-wide set of definitions related to DEI |
Institutional Leading for Change |
New | In process |
| Grant received to raise awareness of open educational resources for faculty |
Institutional Advancement, Academic Affairs |
New | Done |
| Grant proposal to the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Inclusive Excellence competition to fund professional development for faculty and staff to gain knowledge and skills to build equitable systems that are culturally sensitive and eliminate the achievement gap for our underrepresented student population. The funds if awarded would be used for professional development on inclusive teaching practices and the creation of assessments of those practices. |
Institutional Advancement, Academic Affairs |
New | Grant not received |
| Conduct an annual review, inventory, and gap analysis of academic affairs activities regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion to catalog and assess activities and initiatives |
Divisional Provost's Office |
New | In process |
| Report changes in academic departments’ curriculum regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion as part of annual assessment plans |
Divisional Academic Department Chairs |
New | Due date is Spring 2021 |
| Continue the series of roundtable discussions with students and faculty to discuss areas where the curriculum and teaching could be made more inclusive. |
Divisional CTL, Leading for Change |
Ongoing | In process |
| Use an equity lens to set the Division of Student Affairs Annual Goals and Objectives and assess the extent to which we are achieving them. |
Divisional Student Affairs |
New | In process |
| Review major policies, protocols, and procedures in Student Affairs to address access and fairness. |
Divisional Student Affairs |
New | Office of Student Development and University Police are being reviewed in 2020-21 |
| Conduct an annual review, inventory, and gap analysis of the CARE Team and the Student Conduct Process regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion |
Departmental Dean of Students Office |
New | Will be reported in Summer 2021 |
| Analyze and share the early results of the implementation of the Academic Warning Policy designed to catch students before they hit academic probation |
Departmental Dean of Students Office, Retention and Student Success |
Ongoing | In process |
| Action Item | Level and Responsible Office | New/Ongoing/Heightened Priority | Status |
|
Continue to review and update the hiring guidelines to include a stronger diversity lens to engage staff and faculty hiring committees to evaluate beyond the traditional qualifications and review additional engagement activities, publication materials that lend to DEI topics, previously held positions and where they were located and if they come from HBCU. > Continue to explore advertising techniques to include graduate schools that serve a high minority student population, ie. students of color, females in STEM related programs, as well as other underrepresented groups. Establish additional training related to diversity hiring to provide to all university hiring committees. |
Institutional Human Resources |
Ongoing | In process |
| Grant proposal to build a pipeline for counselors of color |
Institutional Advancement, Counseling Services |
New | Pending decision from granting agency |
| Action Item | Level and Responsible Office | New/Ongoing/Heightened Priority | Status |
| Administer the Climate Survey |
Institutional Leading for Change, Institutional Research |
Repeat the 2018 survey to provide longitudinal data | Administered November 2020 |
| Implement the Bias Incident Response Protocol and Team |
Institutional Student Affairs, Human Resources |
New | Done |
| Publicize where single stall and gender-neutral bathrooms can be found across campus |
Institutional Leading for Change |
New | In process |
| Provide institutional funding for Latinx Heritage Month and Black History Month |
Institutional Leading for Change |
Ongoing | Done |
| Create a BIPOC, LGBTQ, Differently Abled Employee Conversation Group |
Institutional Leading for Change, Human Resources |
New | In process |
| Continue the first year Latinx male mentoring program for 25 students every academic year. |
Institutional Academic Affairs |
Ongoing | Continuing |
| Create a “special projects grant” category to encourage student-faculty scholarship that explores national, statewide, and local racial justice, inequality, criminal justice reform, and related topics. |
Divisional Academic Affairs |
New | In process |
| Establish the Academic Deans’ Anti-Racism Fund. The fund will be a coordinated activity among the four academic Schools and the Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library to support campus-wide and community-based anti-racism and anti-bias initiatives. The Fund will support activities including but not limited to symposia, training, library resources, curriculum development, and educational programming. |
Divisional Academic Deans |
New | Done |
| Elevate oppressed and underrepresented voices through library collections: general, archival, special collections and digital resources |
Departmental Library |
Heightened Priority | In process |
| Hire a consultant with expertise in DEI in the Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness to assist with restructuring, accountability, and reporting; integrate programming initiatives; identify partnerships between the curriculum and co-curriculum; and provide professional development and assessment |
Departmental Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness |
New | Done - Faustina Cuevas will be in place through Spring 2021 |
| Appoint an Athletics Diversity and Inclusion designee to provide support to the department in coaching searches, education, and other diversity and inclusion initiatives. |
Departmental Athletics and Recreation |
New | Done |
| Use Residence Education professional staff to facilitate DEI programming in the Residence Halls. These programs will be conducted in addition to Resident Assistant (RA) initiatives. |
Departmental Housing and Residential Services |
Heightened Priority | Launching an anti-racist initiative in Spring 2021 |
| Train Resident Assistants on DEI-related topics |
Departmental Housing and Residential Services |
Ongoing | In process |
| Develop the LGBTQA+ Residential Living Community (RLC) designed to create a space for residents to find peer support and continue their understanding of sexual identity and gender identity> |
Departmental Housing and Residential Services |
New | Done |
| Welcome a Latinx fraternity to Fitchburg State’s Greek community. |
Departmental Office of Student Development |
New | In process - events in Fall 2020 were scheduled to recruit new members |
| Train Hammond Information Desk attendants on working with Spanish-speaking individuals as a non-Spanish speaker. |
Departmental Office of Student Development |
New | In process |
| Create a Council of Equity and Diversity |
Student Initiated Student Government Association |
New | Done |
| Launch the Cultural Events Committee |
Student Initiated Fitchburg Activities Board |
New | Done |
| Action Item | Level and Responsible Office | New/Ongoing/Heightened Priority | Status |
| Expand campus and public programs that foster dialogue, engagement, and reflection on urgent topics such as systemic racism, and social and health disparities, with specific focus on the effects of the pandemic and policing on communities of color |
Institutional Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Human Resources, Leading for Change |
Heightened priority | In process |
| Facilitate Courageous Conversations around White Privilege, White Fragility, Anti-Racism,Social Justice, and other topics |
Institutional Leading for Change, Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness, Human Resources |
New series, ongoing idea | In process |
| Continue the Human Resources Professional Development Series for all employees. |
Institutional Human Resources |
Ongoing | In process |
| Continue Faculty Professional development. Development day topics have included: inclusive teaching, inclusive advising, inclusive assessment, How to talk about Race (this fall). |
Divisional Academic Affairs |
Ongoing | In process |
| Continue retreats and workshops of student-facing offices |
Divisional Student Affairs and others |
Ongoing | In process |
| Use existing forums for faculty professional development to continue to promote faculty development in inclusive pedagogy in all of its forms. This includes but is not limited to development day, CTL, Chair Workshops, and the newly launched Faculty Academy for inclusive teaching. |
Divisional Academic Affairs |
Heightened priority | In process |
| Develop a guide to academic courses and programs that offer diverse course offerings that focus on social justice, civil rights, responsive citizenship and social awareness |
Divisional Academic Affairs |
New | In process |
| Include DEI work in existing student leader trainings such as Orientation Leader, Campus Center Employee, Resident Assistant, and Club and Organizations. |
Divisional Office of Student Development, Housing and Residential Services |
Heightened priority | In process |
| Re-examine the Leadership Development Program to ensure that programs are being delivered with a DEI lens |
Departmental Office of Student Development |
New | Done |
| Develop three separate mini-certificate programs around the issues of anti-racism, equity, and justice |
Departmental Center for Professional Studies |
New | Done |
| Ensure continued professional development opportunities for members of the University Police Department. |
Departmental University Police |
Ongoing | In process |
Learning Resources
We are engaged on this work together, and we have identified reliable sources of information for members of the community to learn more about these topics.
Microaggressions
The term “racial microaggressions” was first coined by researchers in 1978. The definition has evolved to be “brief and commonplace daily verbal, behavioral, and environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative slights and insults to the target person or group."
Implicit Bias
We all have it; implicit - or unconscious - bias exists where we associate stereotypes with others. It is a universal phenomenon, not limited by race, gender, or even country of origin. Take this test to see how it works for you.
DEI Resources
The Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library has created this guide this guide to DEI resources for all members of the campus community. Also, please see the library's guide to information and resources about anti-racism, white privilege, and inclusion.
Addressing the systemic barriers to student success will take a campus-wide commitment.
Our Commitment
Fitchburg State University embraces a commitment to diversity, inclusion, belonging, and social justice. We honor and accept the uniqueness of each individual on our campus, recognize and respect the differences amongst us, and remain mindful of those things which connect us all.
At Fitchburg State University we will:
- Commit to go beyond basic tolerance of individual differences, and strive to celebrate the strength inherent in a diverse community.
- Use inclusive, accessible, and anti-oppressive language and imagery in written, visual, and oral communication.
- Practice inclusiveness, seeking out and valuing the unique perspectives, resources, and contributions of all individuals. Strive to incorporate the talents, needs, and life experiences of all into the fabric of our academic institution.
- Educate the community, social, and cultural supports and venues to foster a socially just environment.
- Increase equal access to the benefits and opportunities afforded by Fitchburg State education.
- Identify and dismantle systems of privilege, inequality, and oppression, and reform our behaviors, programs, policies, pedagogy, and practices accordingly.
- Address discrimination and bias directly and thoughtfully.
- Demonstrate compassion and empathy for all whom we encounter.
Land and Labor Acknowledgement
The Fitchburg State University Community recognizes historical injustices. We acknowledge the legacy of the ancestral homelands and traditional territories of Indigenous Peoples from which they were dispossessed. We are cognizant that we cannot separate the history of our university or our community from the history of colonialism and slavery in the United States.
We recognize and honor the members of the Algonquian Peoples: Nipmuc, Pennacook, and Wabanaki Confederacy, whose ancestral land we now call the Fitchburg State University campus. We also acknowledge the removal of these peoples from this area and the systemic erasure of their complex and unique history.
We acknowledge the heritage of the African and Caribbean diaspora. We acknowledge the reality of slavery and forced labor that built this area.
The legacy of colonialism and slavery persists today as we continue to work towards racial justice, equity, inclusion, liberation, and community, and strive to dismantle the oppressive social systems interwoven into the fabric of our national and regional heritage.
Resources
Leading for Change is the university’s institution-level DEI team, chaired by members of the Fitchburg State community with several lenses:
-
Students (lbayless@fitchburgstate.edu, Laura Bayless, Vice President for Student Affairs)
-
Curriculum and Teaching (pmarsha5@fitchburgstate.edu, Patricia A. Marshall, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs)
This co-chair structure is deliberate, ensuring that the team is focusing on these key areas. In fact, we have a new committee structure this year that emphasizes this: a core group, and three sub-committees (students, employees, and curriculum and teaching). If you would like to communicate directly with the Leading for Change Team, you may contact any of the co-chairs, or use this email: leadingchange@fitchburgstate.edu.
- Black Student Union (BSU) is an organization that embraces the African/African American culture. We encourage diversity as well. We want people from all different cultures and backgrounds to join our club and bring their traditions and culture to it. We hope to have fun and informative events and activities this year, and we encourage our members to let us know what they would like to see happen. Welcome to our club and we look forward to a wonderful year ahead. Follow BSU on Instagram.
- Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) is for people of any and all sexual orientations and genders who are searching for a fully inclusive and supportive environment. It is a place where people can feel safe, welcomed, and be themselves.
- Latin American Student Organization (LASO) is an identity-based student organization providing insight into Latin American culture through involvement, leadership, collaboration, and pride. LASO is a premier resource for the Fitchburg State student body that promotes diversity, equity, and involvement. LASO advocates for Latinx/a/o culture by partnering with university constituents to create a more welcoming and supportive community for Latinx/a/o students at Fitchburg State. Please join us at our biweekly meeting or our next event! Follow LASO on Instagram.
- World Integrated Nations (WIN) is an organization whose goal is to increase international, cultural and ethnic diversity in Fitchburg State University through cultural events, cooking workshops, country presentations, flag day, and other things. Our club includes members from North America, South America, Asia, and Africa. Come join us for a meeting and you just might learn something new. Follow WIN on Instagram.
The university created a Bias Incident Response Team in Fall 2020. Report a bias incident.
The Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness cultivates a welcoming and safe space for all members of the Fitchburg State community and supports each person individually by recognizing and respecting all cultures, perspectives and experiences. Through programming and partnerships, the center provides opportunities for acceptance, understanding and celebration.
- Young Invincibles: This organization's mission is to amplify the voices of young adults in the political process and expand economic opportunity.
- Scholarships and Financial Aid for Minority Students
- American Indian Higher Education Consortium
- Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund
- Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
- National Indian Education Association
- Gates Millennium Scholars Program
- NAACP Job Finder
- Black Career Women’s Network
- SACNAS (Advancing Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science)<
- LatPro
- Campus Pride
- Directory of gender-neutral restrooms on campus
- Designate your preferred name with our Registrar.
- Join our Gay-Straight Alliance
- First Nations Two Spirit Collective
- National Black Justice Coalition
- National LGBT Chamber of Commerce
- Out Professionals
- Out and Equal
- Out for Undergrad
- Safe Zone Training
- Unity Coalition / Coalicón Unida - Advancing Equality and Fairness for the Latinx|Hispanic and Indigenous LGBTQ Community / Avanzando Igualdad para la Comunidad Latinx|Hispana e Indigena
- Creative Spirits
- NYC Mayors Office for People with Disabilities
- Disability Equality Index
- Job Accommodation Network
- International Labor Organization Global Business and Disability Network
- American Association of People with Disabilities
- Association of University Centers on Disabilities
- College Living Experience
The Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library has curated a variety of anti-racism resources.
The university conducted a Campus Climate Survey in late fall of 2020, administering the same instrument as in the spring of 2018, with the addition of three new questions. The initial instrument was designed by Bridgewater State University and shared in conjunction with the Leading for Change multistate consortium.
- The 2020-2025 Strategic Plan. The university's 2020-25 strategic plan is founded on principles of education justice.
- DDS Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity