The Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion strives to promote a campus environment that understands and embraces multiculturalism while increasing individuals’ intercultural competence. The office is responsible for leading efforts to build and sustain a diverse and culturally vibrant campus, which promotes student success and retention. We are grounded in the following goals:
History, Heritage, & Awareness Months generate mindfulness and appreciation of diverse cultures, challenge stereotypical perceptions of diverse populations and assist Chatham University in embracing the diversity of the campus community.
A suite of workshops and courses designed to promote face-to-face dialogue between individuals (peer to peer) with an history of conflict around social group experiences and is broken own into three main areas, a facilitation course, intergroup dialogue classes, and one-time workshops. IND 246 and PSY/IND 646 (ERG) is a 3-credit course for any student interested in facilitating social justice conversations. IND247 and PSY/IND 247 (ERG) Intergroup Dialogue Course is a 3-credit course for those interested in exploring group differences and common ground with such topics as race/ethnicity, SES, gender acceptance, personal responsibility and recognition of the value of all individuals. The Learning Edge is a team of students who offer peer-led social justice workshops for student organizations and classes. Please contact the office to schedule a one-time workshop for your student organization or class.
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At Chatham our commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Respect includes opportunities for faculty and staff to engage in learning and development throughout the school year. We work in cooperation with departments across Chatham, the Diversity and Inclusion Council, and Pittsburgh university partners to provide skill development that encourages a welcoming and inclusive campus climate. Outside of the continuous opportunities provided by multicultural affairs, departments are welcomed to request sessions on topics such as: The ABC’s of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Navigating Difficult Conversations in the Classroom; Racial Justice Allies and Advocates; and Working and Leading Across Difference.
A monthly series that brings faculty, staff and students together over lunch to discuss intersectional topics related to equity and inclusion. Diversity Dialogues are educational and engaging, so prepare to learn something new, meet new people, ask questions, and build community through conversation.
Shamin Mason ’13 created R.I.S.E. in 2012 with the help of the Office of Student Affairs because she felt very strongly that students of color at Chatham University would benefit tremendously from a program focused on their success. The R.I.S.E. (Retain. Involve. Strengthen. Excel.) Mentorship Program is retention program designed to enhance the academic success, community building, and leadership skills of students of color at Chatham University. The year-long program provides new first year, transfer, and Gateway students with a mentor, institutional support, and a series of co-curricular programs throughout their transition to college. | R.I.S.E. Timeline: Mentor Application due in February; First-Year and Transfer application accepted until July; R.I.S.E. Orientation is in August | To learn more or get involved, email the Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion.
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Our office works with International Affairs to support international students by collaborating on opportunities for cultural exchange, community involvement, and student activities. Through conversation, activities, and relationship building we are helping students break down barriers of separation and bridge the gap of inclusion.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion works with Gender and Sexual Violence Prevention Committee and QSA to provide a range of educational, information, and advocacy opportunities that cater to the gender and sexual minority community. Our goal is to educate the campus community about sexual orientation and gender identity.
Religious identity is an important component of the campus environment to help all students, faculty, and staff in understanding the world around us. Chatham University’s Multi-Faith Council (MFC) consists of representatives from spiritual and religious organizations in the Pittsburgh area that advise and assist Chatham University in serving the spiritual and religious needs of its student community.
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The Diversity and Inclusion Council is a university-wide committee made up of faculty, staff and students. The council initiates actions and empowers Chatham to build a diverse and inclusive community through dialogue, education, research, self-reflection, and engagement and acts as a catalyst to create an environment centered around respect, acceptance, personal responsibility, and recognition of the value of all individuals.
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