Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Update

Dear Members of the Stonehill Community,

As we strive to create a more inclusive and equitable campus environment, we write to update you on the College’s ongoing work to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion at Stonehill. 

Within our most recent strategic plan, we set clear goals to build a more diverse and inclusive community that respects the inherent dignity of each person.  

Over the past few years, we have made strides toward fulfilling these goals thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of our community members. We would like to highlight some of those here for you, including: 

• Establishing the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) this fall. ODEI will lead the development of a unifying strategic vision for diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Office recently launched a comprehensive calendar of events aimed at “Building Capacity for a Culturally Responsive Stonehill Community.” We encourage you to participate in these professional development opportunities as your schedules allow. 
• Continuing to offer space, services, and support for students of color, first-generation college students, international students, and LGBTQ+ students through the Office of Intercultural Affairs spearheaded by Dr. Kristine Din, Director of Intercultural Affairs. We are grateful for this office’s programming, including the IGNITE conference, Latinx Festival, and DiverCity Festival. We encourage students to learn more about mentoring and leadership opportunities through the Advocates for a Brighter Stonehill Leadership Program, which provides students opportunities to serve as leaders for diversity and inclusion at the College, and the BACES Mentoring Program, which connects BIPOC students (mentees), returning students (mentors), and all students with alumni.  
• Launching the Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity, and Social Justice in 2021 under the direction of Dr. Stanley Thangaraj, the James E. Hayden Chair for the Study of Race, Ethnicity, & Social Justice and professor of Anthropology and Sociology. The Center is the home for innovative and interdisciplinary teaching, research, and public dialogue. It hosts world-renown speakers, provides writing spaces for faculty of color and junior faculty on their publication journey, and has an annual conference for students, especially students of color, to present on scholarship at the intersections of race, ethnicity, and social justice. To build upon these critical areas, we plan to hire three faculty fellows as part of the Center later this year.
• Developing the Diversity, Power, and Resistance category as part of the new General Education Program. This initiative was spearheaded by the General Education Taskforce last academic year, and the implementation of this work will continue this academic year with the General Education Advisory Committee, led by Rev. Kevin Spicer, C.S.C., dean of the May School of Arts & Sciences. 
• Nurturing strategic partnerships and relationships between our Admissions team and local high schools, organizations and groups. Last spring, we announced a partnership with Massasoit Community College to create a more seamless pathway for students to transfer to Stonehill upon completion of their studies at Massasoit. These efforts have contributed to our most diverse class in history with the incoming Class of 2027. 
• Reestablishing the BIPOC Employee Resource Group. During spring and fall 2023, ODEI, Office of Intercultural Affairs, and Office of Human Resources offered opportunities for BIPOC faculty and staff to build belonging and community through fellowship. 
• Continuing to diversify the Board of Trustees with regard to race and gender.
• Increasing the racial and ethnic composition within the Alumni Council and its subcommittees.
• Joining the Leading for Change Racial Equity and Justice Institute (REJI) at Bridgewater State University, a consortium of more than 30 campuses across New England. REJI aims to bolster student success and foster institutional transformation through racial equity. Colleagues across campus units have been actively participating in this work.
• We are grateful for your dedication to fulfilling our mission to foster a culture where differences are affirmed and anchored by a belief in the inherent dignity of each person, as noted in our recently revised mission statement, which you can read here.    

While we have made progress, there is more work to be done. These efforts represent an ongoing journey of learning and growth. May we continue working together to make Stonehill College a beacon of light and hope for all.  

Sincerely, 

(Rev.) John Denning, C.S.C.                                 Joanna N. Ravello Goods, Ph.D.

President                                                                 Associate Vice President for DEI