Middlebury College
PA-4: Diversity and Equity Coordination

The Office of the Dean of the College and Chief Diversity Officer oversees student life and diversity initiatives at Middlebury College. The office works closely with all Middlebury constituencies to ensure that students, staff, and faculty have the opportunity and the encouragement to participate fully in the campus community. The office is committed to building and maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and vibrant community, representing a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints. Within this community, the office strives to create an environment in which mutual respect is paramount and which prizes and nurtures the qualities of openness and the willingness to embrace personal and academic challenges. In keeping with the College’s commitment to be a model for 21st century liberal arts education, in which learning takes place both inside and outside of the classroom, the office works closely with a variety of programs and offices on campus to enrich the intellectual and personal development of all Middlebury students. In addition to the Dean of the College and Chief Diversity Officer, the Assistant Director of Student Activities and Special Assistant to the Dean of the College oversees several campus-wide diversity initiatives, special projects, and communications for the Dean of the College and Chief Diversity Officer. The Student Government Association also has a Diversity Committee that works with the Office of the Dean of the College and Chief Diversity Officer.

Training for residence assistants, first-year counselors, and orientation trip leaders includes a half-day session geared toward building an inclusive community. Activities include carefully facilitated small and large group discussions focused on identity awareness, leadership, and mentoring.