INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE SPECIAL EDITION
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IN THIS ISSUE P. 2 | Introduction: Engaged Learning, Inclusive Excellence, and Student Protest at LVC P. 3 | December Protests and Community Dialogue P. 4 | Timeline of Community Dialogue on Inclusive Excellence P. 6 | Points of Focus Presented by Concerned Students P. 6 | Action Steps to Enhance Inclusive Excellence
2016
INTRODUCTION: ENGAGED LEARNING, INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE, AND STUDENT PROTEST AT LVC We created this special edition
committed to an educational
to better inform our community
experience where every student can
regarding events of the last
achieve his or her highest potential.
few months—and attendant
The College listens to students
misinformation shared in the media.
who have raised concerns to start a
We include information regarding
dialogue regarding how the College
the College’s history of student
can create a more open, safe,
activism, ongoing efforts to create a
welcoming, and respectful space
community of Inclusive Excellence,
for all. LVC will use these student
and activities underway and planned
concerns as a guide for change,
in response to the issues shared by
collaborative leadership, and
our concerned students.
institutional improvement.
During the past year, colleges
In a statement, President Lewis E.
and universities across the
Thayne, Ph.D., noted that “Inclusive
engaged in challenging Excellence a setting where THE COLLEGE HELD creates ITS PERCENT country OF STUDENTS SEEKING P. 8 | Excerpts from conversations regarding issues everyone achieves his or her highest ENROLLED Dr. Lewis83 E. Thayne Address— ASSISTANCE/ACCOMMODATION HISPANIC of diversity and inclusivity, potential. Inclusive Excellence is not Symposium on Inclusive FOR A DISABILITY Excellence 36 STUDENTS mirroring dialogue in our broader the work of a day; it is an ongoing
3rd INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE SYMPOSIUM ON
society. These institutions have A N N U A effort L to build excellence and
2009
P. 9 | Resources
sought to create campus climates
VS. AVERAGE P. 11 | Notable Inclusive GRADUATING Excellence Accomplishments STUDENT DEBT* Since 2014
where diversity STUDENTS REPORTED BEING FROM DIVERSE RACIAL/ETHNIC GROUPS
is embraced, LVC expected, | 10%
PEER | 3.3% and
remains the responsibility of all. Lebanon Valley College remains
P. 12 | Envision 2020 2 MORE THAN 10%
2009 2016
P. 10 | Alumni Discuss Lessons +36.7% Aid Learned Through Campus INCREASE IN Activism FINANCIAL AID
inclusion into everything we do.” § IN JANUARY
13.1% 6.1%
ENROLLED BLACK OR AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS
DECEMBER PROTESTS AND COMMUNITY DIALOGUE Concerned students engaged in a silent protest during a Dec. 1, 2015 panel discussion and open dialogue that featured Dr. James Peterson, associate professor of Africana studies at Lehigh University. The session was standing room only. Next, 16 concerned students held a brief protest in the dining hall of the Allan W. Mund College Center during lunch on Dec. 3, 2015. They shared issues affecting underrepresented groups on campus. Specifically, they addressed poor accessibility of classrooms, lack of diversity among faculty and staff, a dearth of multicultural programming and courses, religious intolerance, and unacceptable protocols for issues of sexual assault and violence. The concerned students followed with a Community Dialogue the next evening, Dec. 4, 2015, to which they invited President Thayne
and the campus community. Hundreds of students, faculty, and staff attended, with many sharing their concerns, personal stories, and support for creating a true community of inclusiveness at LVC where every person feels safe, supported, and empowered. An informative question-and-answer session ensued that evening. Wes Dellinger '75, chair of the College's Board of Trustees, shared his and the board's support for the concerned students and their goals. The students concluded the community dialogue by providing Dr. Thayne with a list of 21 ways the College can work toward a more inclusive and accepting campus (see pp. 6-7). One of the concerns, to explore the renaming of Lynch Memorial Hall, was discussed. Dr. Rebecca McCoy, associate professor of history, and other faculty and staff present, provided historical information and
context regarding President Lynch’s legacy of service to the College. The students then expressed interest in opening dialogue that would honor President Clyde A. Lynch, while addressing their concern about historical connotations of the term “lynch.” Subsequent research confirmed that the building was officially renamed Clyde A. Lynch ’18 Memorial Hall by John A. Synodinos, LVC’s 15th president, in 1990. Intended to be a private LVC community dialogue, no media were allowed. Nonetheless, a member of the media attended and chose to focus on the “Lynch demand” that, for all intents and purposes, had already been resolved earlier that evening. The Associated Press picked up this thread and published an article a few days later that was distributed nationwide. The story spread quickly and the Lynch naming issue overshadowed all other student concerns. §
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TIMELINE OF COMMUNITY DIALOGUE ON INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE The College created a Timeline of Community Dialogue on Inclusive Excellence, the third Strategic Focus Area in the College’s ongoing Envision 2020 strategic plan. Below are key dates and events. NOVEMBER 3 | 2015
DECEMBER 4 | 2015
University of Missouri student
Concerned students hosted a community dialogue in Frederic K. Miller Chapel
Jonathan Butler launched a hunger
101 to discuss concerns regarding campus climate and the frustrating and hurtful
strike, vowing not to eat until the
experience of marginalized students. President Thayne, as well as hundreds of
university’s president resigned. This
students, faculty, and staff, attended. The student leaders shared a list of ways
action ignites displays of student
the College can increase its commitment to Inclusive Excellence.
activism and record media coverage across the country.
NOVEMBER 16 | 2015 Dr. Lewis E. Thayne, LVC president, met with 8-10 student leaders and staff to discuss campus climate issues across the United States.
DECEMBER 3 | 2015
DECEMBER 5 | 2015
Concerned students held a protest in
President Thayne shared a
the dining hall of the Allan W. Mund
community message in which he
College Center during lunch to share
committed to engage students in the
issues affecting underrepresented
process of shaping a comprehensive,
groups on campus.
assertive, and proactive approach
President Thayne addressed campus
NOVEMBER 18 | 2015
climate issues at the faculty business meeting.
Students at Dickinson College hold
to Inclusive Excellence and use the demands as a focus to respond on Jan. 21, 2016 during the College’s third annual Symposium on Inclusive Excellence.
a “Black Out” protest during the College’s annual Thanksgiving meal.
DECEMBER 1 | 2015
DECEMBER 8 | 2015
Dr. James Peterson, associate professor of
NOVEMBER 20 | 2015
The Associated Press
Africana studies at Lehigh University, led a
publishes a story regarding
President Thayne met with the
panel discussion and open dialogue with
the Lynch building name
Faculty Steering Committee to
students, faculty, and staff in Leedy Theater.
controversy. The article
discuss Inclusive Excellence and
Students engaged in a silent protest during
appears nationwide.
campus climate.
the standing room only forum.
Members of the Inclusive Excellence Committee met with President Thayne.
President Thayne led a discussion with members of the staff regarding recent national student protests.
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FEBRUARY 6 | 2016 The LVC Board of Trustees made Inclusive Excellence a primary focus of their weekend meetings.
FEBRUARY 5 | 2016 The LVC Board of Trustees hosted the Student Task Force on Inclusive
DECEMBER 15 | 2015
DECEMBER 17 | 2015
The Lebanon Valley College faculty
Greg Krikorian, LVC vice president
held a professional meeting and
of student affairs and dean of
passed a resolution regarding
students, met with the concerned
Inclusive Excellence at the College.
student group. It was agreed that
The resolution read, The faculty of
the renaming of Clyde A. Lynch ’18
JANUARY 30 | 2016
Lebanon Valley College strongly
Memorial Hall would be dropped
Vickroy Society members were sent
supports all students who want
from the list of demands.
a personal letter highlighting LVC’s
Excellence for a discussion and reception.
the College to be true to the
heritage and continuing commitment
fundamental values it espouses. We
to Inclusive Excellence.
acknowledge the concerns expressed
DECEMBER 21 | 2015
by student activists at the December
Marty Parkes provided a community-
4th open forum. We commit
wide update on the name of Clyde A.
ourselves to working with our
Lynch ’18 Memorial Hall. The students
students and the campus community
expressed their support for the
to ensure an environment of genuine
ongoing use of the Clyde A. Lynch
inclusion at LVC and to making the
’18 Memorial Hall name.
JANUARY 23 | 2016 A recap of the Symposium was emailed to alumni, friends, and parents.
college a leader in preparing worldready students.
DECEMBER 30 | 2015 E-newsletter sent to alumni,
DECEMBER 9 | 2015 President Thayne sent another community message that said: “Very simply, our response was then, and is now, that we stand with our
friends, and parents reiterating the community-wide message from Dec. 21, and encouraging alumni to write
active member of a community are
A recap of the Symposium, including President Thayne’s address, was posted on the LVC website.
in and share their own experiences regarding student activism.
students…Advocating for responsible change and being engaged as an
JANUARY 22 | 2016
JANUARY 21 | 2016 The College held its third annual
JANUARY 11 | 2016
Symposium on Inclusive Excellence.
The Student Task Force on Inclusive
President Thayne presented his plan
civic virtues every member of a
Excellence held a day-long retreat.
to enhance Inclusive Excellence at
democracy should practice. We all
Their recommendations were given
the College and address the student
stand with the concerned students
to President Thayne.
concerns raised on Dec. 4.
who are advocating for responsible change at Lebanon Valley College.”
JANUARY 12 | 2016 Marty Parkes, LVC executive director of marketing and communications, met concerned students regarding media coverage of their demands.
More than two dozen faculty and staff held a retreat to develop action steps and present Inclusive Excellence recommendations to President Thayne.
JANUARY 13 | 2016 Students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and parents received an email invitation to attend the Jan. 21 Symposium on Inclusive Excellence.
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POINTS OF FOCUS PRESENTED BY CONCERNED STUDENTS Develop and enforce a comprehensive equity and inclusion curriculum for all campus departments and units (faculty, staff). Increase the representation of underrepresented groups, especially people of color, in the faculty, staff, senior administration, and Board of Trustees. Develop a plan of protocol and accountability for dealing with issues of hate, discrimination, and unjust treatment, action, assaults, and verbal comments by any member of the LVC community.
Require diversity and inclusion workshops/sensitivity training for all faculty and staff each semester, with optional workshops offered consistently throughout the academic year. Conduct annual campus climate surveys related to race and ethnicity, the LGBTQ+ community, and other issues of equity and inclusion. Provide staff, faculty, and administration with protection from prejudicial, discriminatory acts and behaviors related to their social identities, including race/ethnicity, sexuality, gender, ability, class, and religion.
Create a Center for Diversity and Inclusion with an expanded staff that offers support services for LGBTQ+ students, as well as students of color. Create programs to increase the retention rates for students of color and other marginalized groups. Ensure a diverse group of Valley Ambassadors and Resident Assistants. Implement a recruitment strategy for diversifying the student body focused on increasing populations from a broader geographic area, race/ethnicity, and international students.
ACTION STEPS TO ENHANCE INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE During the College’s third annual Symposium on Inclusive Excellence on Jan. 21, Dr. Lewis E. Thayne, LVC president, presented action steps to enhance Inclusive Excellence at the College and address student concerns:
There is full agreement regarding the name of the Clyde A. Lynch ’18 Memorial Hall, formerly the Clyde A. Lynch ’18 Memorial Gymnasium. It was then, is now, and shall be named in memory of our 11th president. Biographical notes will be posted in each named building on campus, beginning with Clyde A. Lynch ’18 Memorial Hall. BEGINNING SPRING 2016 6
Student recruitment initiatives will
The curriculum and co-curriculum
expand to include partnerships
will be reviewed to identify and
with national charter school
make more visible and increase the
networks that enroll educationally
development of skills of intercultural
underserved young people.
competence and the course/
BEGINNING SPRING 2016
program content involving diversity.
Faculty recruitment efforts will
BEGINNING SPRING 2017
focus on a newly approved
A President’s Fund for Inclusive
interdisciplinary position in Africana
Excellence will be created to
studies as part of our new First-Year
provide financial resources to
Experience.
projects that accelerate our
BEGINNING SPRING 2016
progress in reaching goals for
A new hiring initiative will be launched for multicultural post-
curricular and co-curricular revision. BEGINNING SPRING 2016
doctoral faculty.
Student administrative leadership
BEGINNING FALL 2016
positions will be developed for LVC seniors to work with staff and faculty on significant projects contributing
Provide easier access to buildings and spaces for those with issues of ability. Increase resources to provide a more religiously diverse staff in Religious Life. Expand dietary and food options that reflect the campus population (kosher, halal, vegetarian, and vegan) as well as access to dining outside of regular hours to accommodate religious practices. Create a new system whereby academic advisors and professors be separate.
Consider that the name of Lynch Memorial Hall be changed to avoid any possible negative historical connotations.
Provide financial support for groups that contribute to the diversity of the College (LGBTQ+, international, etc.).
Update program offerings to reflect the campus population and embrace the differing communities that enhance our campus environment.
Provide better campus safety and protocols beyond current practices (blue lights and residence hall phones).
Provide housing accommodations for LGBTQ+ students, specifically Trans* identified, religious diversity, and students with issues of ability.
Adopt mechanisms for anonymity to decrease academic grading bias (using student ID numbers, not student names). ยง
Provide gender inclusive restrooms in residence halls, academic areas, and other LVC facilities and buildings.
to Inclusive Excellence priorities.
Job descriptions and recruitment/
Dr. Thayne also noted potential
BEGINNING SPRING 2017
retention efforts will be revised to
development of a Center for
attract a diverse pool of candidates
Diversity and Inclusive Excellence.
for staff positions.
BEGINNING FALL 2018
The causes of inequity in educational outcomes of our students will be assessed and we
BEGINNING SUMMER 2016
Dr. Thayne concluded by
will identify systematic responses
A schedule of facilities projects
stating that we must improve
needed to improve outcomes.
will be published that address
communications. We will create
BEGINNING SUMMER 2016
accessibility to campus buildings
new vehicles for communicating
and other needs such as gender-
to the campus community and
neutral bathrooms.
to foster greater understanding
BEGINNING SPRING 2016
and engagement with issues
The student admissions tour will be revised to emphasize appropriately our goal of Inclusive Excellence. BEGINNING SUMMER 2016 Complaints and grievances policies will be revised to assist students, faculty, and staff in reporting incidents, understanding process, and achieving an appropriate level of transparency and accountability. BEGINNING FALL 2016
Intercultural and cross-cultural competency training for staff and faculty will be instituted. A model for dialogue facilitation and skill development for faculty and staff will be developed. BEGINNING FALL 2016
of Inclusive Excellence. We will increase communications outreach to our alumni and parents, Annville, and its neighboring communities. We will also sponsor a series of Open Forums on issues of Inclusive Excellence, particularly diversity, free speech, access, privilege, and cultural competencies. ยง 7
EXCERPTS FROM DR. LEWIS E. THAYNE ADDRESS— SYMPOSIUM ON INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE Now in its third year, this Symposium has grown into a very robust expression of our commitment to Inclusive Excellence, to the proposition that we want a College where every student can achieve his or her highest potential.
So, let me begin today by sharing a list of demands. No, these are not my demands. They are the demands of the global workplace. There is a global competition for talent going on, such that 40% of employers report that they cannot 8
A recent article reporting on this research in Fast Company gives the top skills that CEOs and HR professionals are looking for and not finding. The list may surprise you, but it shouldn’t: The ability to manage a diverse environment. Knowledge of other cultures. A global mindset. Effective conflict resolution.
Sound familiar? I was pleased to note the alignment of Envision 2020 and this list of demands. LVC graduates will successfully negotiate the workplace of the future—but we have work to do to strengthen several areas of the educational experience in orderSEEKING to 2016 PERCENT OF STUDENTS ENROLLED ASSISTANCE/ACCOMMODATION achieve the outcomes we want for 83 HISPANIC FOR A DISABILITY our graduates. 36
Inclusive Excellence. The skills of cultural competency, managing diversity, handling (and voicing) conflict skillfully, and lifelong learning will be central to your success as a productive member of the global economy, American society, and your local community. Nothing could be more practical or more to your advantage to learn. I committed to the concerned students that I would study their demands and, in conjunction with students, faculty, and staff, respond to our community today with a comprehensive program. I am honoring that commitment today. The context of our proposed program is a set of accomplishments we can be very proud of. LVC has never been more THE COLLEGE HELD ITS
3rd INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE SYMPOSIUM ON
STUDENTS
ANNUAL
Let me assure anyone who 2009
questions the practicality of
INCREASE IN FINANCIAL AID
+36.7% Aid LVC | 10%
IN JANUARY
STUDENTS REPORTED BEING FROM DIVERSE RACIAL/ETHNIC GROUPS
PEER | 3.3%
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The College’s strategic plan, Envision 2020, can be summed up in one goal: Graduating World-Ready Students. Inclusive Excellence is central to the plan and to that goal and, at a very practical level, it is a response to the demands of the world. At a different level, it is also a response to our Founders aims that an LVC education be “thorough and practical.”
find employees with the talents and the skills they need.
13.1%
83
ENROLLED HISPANIC
36 STUDENTS diverse. We have doubled the Brave Zone; number of students of color since 2009. +36.7% We created dedicated Aid INCREASE IN space for multicultural FINANCIAL AID student organizations VS. AVERAGE through a President’s GRADUATING Student Innovation STUDENT DEBT* Grant. We added staff in Multicultural Affairs; created a Center for Global Education; hired a full-time international +2.6% recruiter for Debt Admissions; increased
3rd INCLUSI EXCELLEN
SYMPOSIUM
ASSISTANCE/ACCOMMODATION FOR A DISABILITY
funded training of dignity of others—these are not ANNUAL several faculty and staff just the smart things to do; they are IN JAN in dialogue facilitation; also, and most importantly, the right and increased financial thingsSTUDENTS to do… We must BEING be united REPORTED FROM DIVERSE RACIAL/ETHNIC GROUPS aid substantially to by the effort of understanding, of LVC | 10% PEER | 3.3% make the College empathy, and of cooperative effort. more affordable. We are all responsible for one These are not trivial another, to one another.6.1% To say, as accomplishments and we have, that we are all standing the proposed future with our marginalized students, or programs address all of to say, as we do today, that we are ENROLLED BLACK OR the student protest list. standing withAMERICAN the marginalized AFRICAN STUDENTS in MORE THAN 10% our society, is not to say that we OF …I OUR haveFACULTY spoken about 26 AS INCREASE all agree on everything. But it is the IDENTIFY demands of ALANA OR IN THE PAST to recognize the dignity in each the workplace and INTERNATIONAL 5 YEARS person and to offer respect to every support and renovated responded to the *SINCE 2010 space for the Center person and, as a consequence, we student demands. for Student Disability achieve our own self-respect and Let me end with the Resources; initiated bystander dignity. demands of conscience. Being intervention and support programs inclusive, embracing diversity, Click here to read Dr. Thayne’s full such as Green Dot, Step Up, and caring for others, respecting the address. §
2009 2016
2009
25%
2009
20
RESOURCES INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE WEBSITE
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION GREEN DOT
BLUEPRINT FOR INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE CAMPUS CONDUCT HOTLINE CENTER FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER FOR DISABILITY RESOURCES CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AND LEARNING CENTER FOR GLOBAL EDUCATION CENTER FOR WRITING & TUTORING RESOURCES
INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE OUTCOMES, 2014–2015 OFFICE OF MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS LVC NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY SYMPOSIUM ON INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE TIMELINE OF EVENTS WOMEN’S SERVICES AND GENDER RESOURCE CENTER 9
ALUMNI DISCUSS LESSONS LEARNED THROUGH CAMPUS ACTIVISM
Moderated by Dr. Jeffrey W. Robbins, chair of religion and philosophy, professor of religion, and director of American studies; and Dr. Catherine Romagnolo, chair and associate professor of English, the alumni panel included (l. to r.) Alex Reber '07, Rachel Hadrick, Esq., '06, Roberto "Tito" Valdes '14, Kate Ruhl Gerdes '05, and Clayton Carroll '07. All five panelists had been deeply involved as students in working for peace and against intolerance based on race, gender, disability, or sexual orientation.
As part of its third annual Symposium on Inclusive Excellence on Jan. 21, Lebanon Valley College convened a panel of five alumni in the Bertha Brossman Blair Music Center’s Lutz Hall to discuss their experiences as student activists at LVC. The overarching theme of the discussion was that on a fundamental level, student engagement is a sign of a healthy, vibrant campus community. Students who feel that they can air their grievances with the expectation of being heard have learned to extend themselves and take risks, invest in causes outside themselves, and work for change— all positive characteristics that speak to the strength of their educations. Being involved in campus activism, “really allows you to grow as a person, to find and develop your voice more fully, and provides you with an education that you can use every day,” noted panelist Kate Ruhl Gerdes ’05, who today works as assistant director of short-term programs and outreach for BCA 10
Study Abroad. “It’s a tradition I’m really proud of at LVC.” Panelist Clayton Carroll ’07 agreed: “Facing an entire school and speaking your word honestly and not allowing anyone to manipulate that or tell you to be quiet, that’s a crash course in confidence.” A political science and philosophy double major at LVC, after graduation Carroll undertook a two-year tour as a Peace Corps volunteer before returning to Pennsylvania to work with the Commonwealth’s Department of Education. “Number one, I learned to be unapologetic,” said Roberto “Tito” Valdes ’14, an LVC political science major, class president, and student trustee who currently attends the Penn State University—Dickinson School of Law. “It trained me to identify what the legal issues are and to make the arguments,” he added. “That’s what it’s going to take for change.” Rachel Hadrick, Esq., ’06 commented that campus
engagement taught her to work effectively with all types of people. “Being comfortable with diversity is not just an asset,” she emphasized. “Understanding and being able to deal with diverse people is a core competence.” A music recording technology major at LVC, Hadrick earned a law degree from Widener Commonwealth Law School in 2013 and today practices civil litigation with McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC in Harrisburg. For Alex Reber ’07, campus activism instilled a lasting sense of compassion. “I learned to invite the other in,” he said. A business administration major who now serves as a senior accountant at Miller Dixon Drake CPAs in Harrisburg, Reber commented that the civic engagement he learned at LVC continues to enrich his life. “Opening yourself up to all these different experiences means you’ll have more success and happiness in your life, and it’ll give you a richer, fuller life…” §
INCREASE IN
+36.7% Aid LVC | 10%
STUDENTS REPOR DIVERSE RACIAL/
PEER | 3.3%
VS. AVERAGE
STAFF RECRUITMENT plan for global learning at the GRADUATING AND RETENTION College. STUDENT DEBT* Six new staff members were Faculty approved a new hired to support and recruit common learning experience, underrepresented students, ConstellationLVC, that provides including in the offices of admission intercultural and multicultural affairs. competence
Inclusive Excellence.
2009 2016
FINANCIAL AID NOTABLE INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE ACCOMPLISHMENTS SINCE 2014
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning held a workshop on the Green Dot program to end violence on campus.
25%
ENROLLED BLACK
AFRICAN AMERICA Multiple online and experiential resources OF OUR FACULTY ADMISSION learning from the 20 IDENTIFY AS INCREASE Relationships were established with +2.6% programming. Minute Mentor national charter schools that enroll Debt ALANA OR IN THE PAST An Africana Commons educationally underserved students, INTERNATIONAL 5 YEARS studies faculty series (Magna including with KIPP and Cristo Rey. *SINCE 2010 position was Publications) are approved, which will be part of the now available to faculty. ATHLETICS ConstellationLVC program. The College received a $50,000 CAMPUS CLIMATE INITIATIVES Division III Strategic Alliance Programming that aligns with A Student Task Force on Inclusive Matching Grant, which is a five-year Inclusive Excellence goals is now Excellence was formed to provide grant to fund the creation of new, included for the Colloquium Series, feedback and planning for Inclusive or the enhancement of, full-time, Suzanne H. Arnold Art Gallery Excellence initiatives. mid- to senior-level administrative exhibits, and Faculty Sabbatical and positions at NCAA Division III The Office of Institutional Research presentations. schools and conference offices to Research conducted surveys on The College awarded multiple encourage access, recruitment, campus climate, sexual assault, financial grants to support Inclusive selection, and the long-term success student engagement, and faculty Excellence initiatives through of ethnic minorities and women. experience. the Woomer Diversity, Arnold The College’s comprehensive Experiential, President’s Innovation, CURRICULAR AND COTitle IX policy was reviewed and and Student Innovation funds. CURRICULAR INITIATIVES educational outreach was provided Examples include the collaboration A Global Learning Task Force was to all members of the campus of student organization leaders formed to complete an audit and community. An online Title IX to create the Student Office for training course was developed for mandatory training of faculty and staff. MORE THAN 10%
26
2009
Dedicated space was created in the Allan W. Mund College Center for multicultural student organizations. The College welcomed several new student organizations: Black Student Union, Phi Beta Sigma (one of the nine predominantly African-American Greek-lettered organizations), American Indian Studies Club, Global Education Club, the F-Word dialogue discussion 11
FACILITIES The Center for Disability Resources was relocated to the Lebegern Learning Commons to provide better student accessibility. Accessibility upgrades were made to restrooms in the Allan W. Mund College Center, Clyde A. Lynch Memorial Hall, and Neidig-Garber Science Center. In addition, the College added gender-neutral
restrooms in Hammond, Keister, and Funkhouser halls. Stanson Hall offers gender-neutral bathrooms that include showers. SPIRITUAL LIFE The College formalized 2016 relationships ENROLLED with 83 HISPANIC a diverse religious 36 staff STUDENTS volunteer (Catholic, Islamic, 2009 Jewish, and Wiccan) +36.7% in exchange for a Aid INCREASE IN semester stipend. FINANCIAL AID
Each staff member will (a) facilitate on average one hour per week of learning and fellowship; (b) coordinate meetings once per semester with Metz Culinary Management regarding major holidays and dietary preferences THE COLLEGE HELD ITS PERCENT OF STUDENTS SEEKING ASSISTANCE/ACCOMMODATION of student FOR A DISABILITY communities; and (c) oversee interface A N Nstudents U A L and among with the local faith community. §
3rd INCL EXCEL
SYMPO
LVC | 10%
PEER | 3.3%
VS. AVERAGE GRADUATING STUDENT DEBT*
MORE THAN 10% OF OUR FACULTY
+2.6% Debt
STUDENTS REPORTED BEING FROM DIVERSE RACIAL/ETHNIC GROUPS
2009 2016
group, and OASIS—a social group for students addressing social anxiety/adjustment.
IDENTIFY AS ALANA OR INTERNATIONAL
25%
INCREASE IN THE PAST
5 YEARS
6.1%
ENROLLED BLACK OR AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS
26
2009
*SINCE 2010
ENV ISI ON
As part of the College’s strategic plan—Envision 2020 (EV 2020)—our community developed four strategic focus areas (SFAs), including SFA 3—Developing Inclusive Excellence and High Performance. It states “Lebanon Valley College faculty, staff, and students strive for excellence, support innovation, embrace inclusiveness, and commit to service. The culture is recognized for its commitment to personal and professional development and its deep sense of ownership and accountability for the College’s success.” Inclusive Excellence, as reflected in EV 2020, is not the work of a day; it is an ongoing effort to build excellence and inclusion into everything we do. Additional details can be found at www.lvc.edu/envision2020. 12