Inclusivity Programs and Initiatives

Allies at MIIS

Allies at MIIS, a research-cum-activism initiative of the Center for Conflict Studies that prepares students, faculty, and staff to become better allies for those less represented on campus. The group studies together, organizes events, and engages with the community to change policies and practices. Monterey

Inclusive Practitioners Program

The Inclusive Practitioners Program, led by the director of education for equity and inclusion, which offers faculty and staff workshops on how to intentionally structure the classroom and other learning environments to increase equity, inclusion, access, and full participation. Vermont

Open Dialogue

Open dialogue sessions for faculty, staff, and students, organized through the Office of the Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) and Allies at MIIS, through which the community engages relevant issues, shares information, and influences action from constituencies around campus. Monterey

New Residential Life System

The new residential life system, beginning in fall 2020, which will group first-year students in two clusters of residence halls, just one of the changes that will support students’ desire to build a sense of class-year identity and belonging from day one. Vermont

Funding Opportunities

Immersive Professional Learning Funding and the Seizing Opportunities Fund, which increases student access to classes and activities, from support for unpaid internships to wage-relief for students who take an “all-in” winter term course that prevents them from working at their current on- or off-campus job. Monterey, Vermont

Diversity Committees

The creation of the Diversity Committee and the Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, which work with their respective chief diversity officers. Monterey, Vermont

The Black Mirror

“The Black Mirror,” the CDO quarterly online newsletter that communicates initiatives of those building community on campus and offers opportunities to engage and enlighten relevant issues through periodic surveys. Monterey

Improved Engagement Opportunities

Training sessions, speaker series, and work done on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion by the CDO office, Allies at MIIS, Student Services, Student Clubs, ICC, and other community members. And Student Council, which collaborates with the CDO and has appointed a diversity, equity, and inclusion liaison and health and wellness advocate. Monterey

Twilight Project

The Twilight Project, a three-year project beginning in spring to engage students, faculty, staff, and alumni with the history of the struggles and triumphs across difference at the College—guided by the director of Black Studies and the curator and director of Special Collections. It will commission artistic performances and support academic research that confronts Middlebury’s historic treatment of underrepresented and excluded groups. Organizers have been meeting with colleagues across Middlebury and will share details in the coming weeks. Vermont

Anderson Freeman Center

The Anderson Freeman Center, which provides community and resources to underrepresented members of the College student body, and First at Midd, which supports first-generation Middlebury students. Vermont

Advocacy

Advocacy work contributed by many members of our communities, through a variety of different channels. Key efforts include the Advisory Group on Disability, Access, and Inclusion; the Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; the Community Bias Response Team; and a Restorative Practices program. Vermont

Additional Positions

Two new positions in the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: the director of education for equity and inclusion (August 2018) works with faculty, staff, and students to explore strategies for increasing access, equity, inclusion, and full participation; and the assistant director of the Anderson Freeman Center (August 2019) supports historically underrepresented students, with a focus on LGBTQ+ students. Vermont

JusTalks

A re-envisioning of the JusTalks peer education program that will include regular workshops offered beginning in the spring 2020 semester with the goal of creating a culture where critical conversations about social justice can become an integral and ongoing part of the campus environment. Vermont