Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 65.01
Liaison Paul Mathisen
Submission Date May 23, 2017
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Worcester Polytechnic Institute
PA-4: Diversity and Equity Coordination

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.78 / 2.00 Liz Tomaszewski
Facilities Systems Manager/Sustainability Coordinator
Facilities Department
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have a diversity and equity committee, office, and/or officer tasked to advise on and implement policies, programs, and trainings related to diversity, equity, inclusion and human rights on campus?:
Yes

Does the committee, office and/or officer focus on students, employees, or both?:
Both students and employees

A brief description of the diversity and equity committee, office and/or officer, including purview and activities:

The Office of Multicultural Affairs is committed to promoting a campus community that is inclusive, pluralistic, and free of discrimination. We strive to provide high-touch outreach and support to underrepresented students, while at the same time, fostering inclusion and pluralism across the entire student body. Our office provides students with the tools and resources they need to achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals and become responsible and productive global citizens. In addition, we offer a wide range of programs to the entire campus community to raise awareness of and appreciation for diversity and multiculturalism. In addition, Human Resources ensures equity and fairness for all employees: it is the policy of WPI to provide each qualified individual - regardless of race, sex, age, color, national origin, religion, genetic identity disability, gender identity or expression, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, transgender status, veteran status, or any other protected status – the opportunity to participate in the University’s educational and employment programs and activities in a discrimination and harassment-free environment, in accordance with state and federal laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975.


Estimated proportion of students that has participated in cultural competence trainings and activities (All, Most, Some, or None):
Most

Estimated proportion of staff (including administrators) that has participated in cultural competence trainings and activities (All, Most, Some, or None):
All

Estimated proportion of faculty that has participated in cultural competence trainings and activities (All, Most, Some, or None):
Most

A brief description of the institution’s cultural competence trainings and activities for each of the groups identified above:

There is some cultural competence training built into the New Student Orientation program, RA training, CA training, and we are now offering this through the Leadership Development series through HR for faculty and staff. In addition, a cultural diversity training session for employees is offered throughout the year. Beyond that, the OMA and HR are working proactively to reach out to student groups and departments to offer diversity and cultural training. The cultural competency trainings and activities cover multicultural competencies, including sensitivity to differences and diversity, human biases and prejudices, cross-cultural communication, dialogue around different and difficult conversations, becoming a change agent, multicultural education structures, etc.


The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

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