Vassar College
PA-4: Diversity and Equity Coordination

Committee on Inclusion and Excellence isa twenty-two member committee of students, faculty, and administrators, that formulates and proposes recommendations for institutional change with the goal of ensuring that all members of the student body can enjoy the fullest promise of a Vassar education

The Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action offers educational programs designed to ensure a safe environment for all members of the Vassar community. One such program, entitled Creating a Respectful Working and Learning Environment Free from Discrimination and Harassment, constituted a half-day workshop for all Vassar employees. Its purpose was to promote respectful approaches to conflict, develop cultural competence and communication skills and educate employees on the issue of sexual harassment. Held in 2006, the workshop enjoyed participation rates of 98% among administration and staff and 71% among faculty. Since 2006, the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action has focused on providing tailored trainings to particular departments and divisions of the college. The Office also offers an online training session on sexual harassment and continually provides cultural competence trainings to new faculty and language fellows. Vassar has provided training and programming for the campus community for many years. All College Day each year includes 3 days of workshops on identity, community building activities, and a keynote lecture. In 2014 the theme was (Un)Silencing Voices, featuring a keynote by Janet Mock. Since 2013, Freshmen Orientation has included an additional session in January called Unpacking Vassar. These 3 days of workshops for new students include sessions on identity, facilitation skills, and personal narratives.