Saint Michael's College
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

Diversity is an essential element in a learning environment that prepares students for citizenship in the global community. True to our Catholic tradition and our founding order, the Society of Saint Edmund, the College is dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusion where individual differences are celebrated, valued and recognized as vital and complementary to the academic experience. Thus, the Saint Michael’s community embraces the inherent worth and educational importance of sharing perspectives and beliefs in an increasingly interconnected world, and seeks to understand the significance of differences in culture and circumstance, including those based on race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, religion, language, abilities/disabilities, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, military service and geographic origin. As a liberal arts institution committed to exploring the full breadth of knowledge, perspectives, traditions and experiences of the human condition, Saint Michael’s College strives for an inclusive, diverse environment where the dignity of each person and all peoples is respected. http://www.smcvt.edu/academics/academic-centers/multicultural-center.aspx#tab5

How the Protocol Works: Anyone who experiences or witnesses a bias incident may report to Residential Life staff on duty, Public Safety, Center for Multicultural Affairs and Services, Student Life Office or one of the members on the Bias Response Team (BRT). From this list, the individual may report to anyone with whom they feel comfortable. Whoever receives this report will promptly report to the BRT facilitator. In the event that a staff or faculty member is involved in a bias incident, the Vice President for Administration/Human Resources and/or the Vice President for Academic Affairs must be immediately involved. The facilitator of the BRT is promptly informed of all suspected incidents of bias, including those reported to Public Safety, Residence Life, CMAS, and members of the Bias Response Team. The facilitator, in consultation with the Vice President of Student Affairs (VPSA), will assess reports in consultation with the appropriate colleagues (for example, Academic Affairs, Human Resources, Student Financial Services, Marketing and Communications, Institutional Advancement, Campus Ministry, etc.) and convene the Bias Response Team as necessary. When convened, the BRT, in consultation with the VPSA, will consider the gravity of each reported incident, determine what, if any information should be communicated to the campus community, relay a comprehensive institutional response and follow-up, provide support to alleged victims and alleged offenders, and suggest ways to proactively address issues of difference, diversity, civility, and respect via education and training. Conduct against any individual or group, if warranted, will be governed by the Office of Student Conduct and established policies and procedures. State or local law enforcement agencies also may become involved as deemed appropriate. Team members and other persons responsible for receiving and acting on bias incident reports, will make reasonable efforts to protect the confidentiality and privacy of the reporter, the accused, and the witnesses. Disclosure of information will be only be made to persons with a need for information regarding the report, its investigation and/or resolution.

We promote our Military Community programming through our website and our internal portal pages. We also have a Military specific page in our “Travel Pieces” which are delivered to prospective students at High schools, Education Fairs (traditional and at Military Installations), and Education Offices at National Guard and Active Duty Bases. These “Travel Pieces” are also available at community Veteran Service Organizations. The College’s Coordinator of Military Community Services works closely with our Vet Center, Lakeside VA (CBOC), Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing and Vermont Veterans Outreach. The college was certified as a Military Friendly campus in 2015.

A sample of student support programs on campus, not a comprehensive list: SOAR is our pre-orientation program that welcomes students on the margins to campus in order to build connection and prepare for the upcoming transition to college. GEAR is our residential program that partners international students with domestic students within a living environment. This program aids in transitional and cultural issues that may arise. SMC 1st is our first generation college student group. This group works hard to support and walk alongside our first gen students. We have first generation faculty and staff mentor this group as well. Through the Veterans and Military Community Services office, information is provided to active duty members and their families about the college and the Coordinator of the program also represents Saint Michael’s at Education and Career fairs. The Coordinator invites members of our Military Community to campus for tours and informational sessions with faculty and staff. Our Assoc. Director of Int'l Admission has also traveled to A DOD high school in Germany to provide information to the Military Community there.