Saint Michael's College
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups

Saint Michael’s College is committed to equal opportunity. It does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment, on the basis of race, color, gender, age, national origin, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or physical characteristics. https://www.smcvt.edu/admission-aid/apply/non-discrimination-policy/

Saint Michael’s College is a multicultural community which values each individual, celebrates diversity, encourages high ethical standards, instills a passion for justice and shapes a campus-wide environment of responsibility, and compassion. Through the efforts of various groups on campus, such as the Multicultural Committee, which is composed of staff and faculty, the College provides ongoing educational opportunities, events, and programs for personnel and students to increase awareness of and appreciation for the rich diversity of humankind. Saint Michael’s College is committed to equal opportunity. It does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment, on the basis of race, color, gender, age, national origin, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or physical characteristics.

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.

Recruitment of Underrepresented Students:
1. We have developed strong partnerships with high schools of predominantly underrepresented groups. Admissions staff visit these schools (prior to COVID) to meet with counselors and potential students. We also have weekend visits for potential students from these schools and provide them with current student mentors.
2. Military Connected specific page in “Travel Pieces” delivered to prospective students at High schools, Education Fairs (traditional/Military Installations), Guard/Reserve and Active Duty Education Centers, and community Veteran Service Organizations.
• Direct pathways for transfer students from VT state's Community College system through our Military Community Office.
• Tuition rate for online Summer courses to $250/ credit to meet Military TA rate.
• Direct and timely connections with our Academic Support Office and Community Partners(Vet Center, Lakeside VA (CBOC), Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing and Vermont Veterans Outreach) to promote academic success, wellbeing and create local ties to aid in retention.
• Non-Traditional and Military Connected Students have a space of their own on campus for quiet study, comradery and guidance.
• Director of Military Community Services was a member of the planning committee and co-presenter of "Right Fit Schools" and "Yellow Ribbon Program Conversation" for the inaugural ATI Veterans Community of Practice Convening.
3. Our newly established Edmundite Graduate Fellows Program for African American Scholars will recruit doctoral students who will spend a year teaching and completing their dissertations. We will sponsor two fellows per academic year in all disciplines. This will not only support doctoral students but will enrich our community and perhaps result in the hiring of fellows once they are completed with their Ph.D.

CMAS: Center for Multicultural Affairs and Services is designed to provide an inclusive support space for all students, and to create leadership and training opportunities for all in our community regarding diversity and inclusion.

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.

Our newly established Edmundite Graduate Fellows Program for African American Scholars will recruit doctoral students who will spend a year teaching and completing their dissertations on our campus. We will sponsor two fellows per academic year in all disciplines, advancing the rich tradition and history of the Edmundites and the College serving underrepresented communities and scholars. It will also serve to enrich the Saint Michael’s community and student learning by bringing important research, perspectives, and voices to our campus and our classrooms.

housing Options: https://www.smcvt.edu/student-life/housing-and-dining/living-at-saint-mikes/housing-communities/

https://www.smcvt.edu/student-life/diversity-and-inclusion/center-for-multicultural-affairs/