Overall Rating Silver
Overall Score 53.11
Liaison Elizabeth Malcolm
Submission Date Jan. 19, 2023

STARS v2.2

Virginia Wesleyan University
PA-5: Diversity and Equity Coordination

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.56 / 2.00 Bethany Tsiaras
Director of Wesleyan Engaged Deputy and Diversity Officer
Wesleyan Engaged
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Part 1 

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

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

None
A brief description of the diversity and equity committee, office and/or officer, including purview and activities:
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council leads institutional efforts to not only understand diversity, equity and inclusion issues, but also to provide resources and layers of support for our students who bring rich experiences and perspectives to ensure that Virginia Wesleyan is continually honoring and respecting differences and that all members of our campus community have a voice. From purpose to function, the DEIC leads the institution in offering programs designed to enhance the educational value of the campus community through purposeful dialogue and celebration of difference. The Council consists of the University's designated Chief Diversity Officer and five deputy diversity officers from key institutional areas: Academics, Athletics, Student Activities, the Lighthouse, and the Robert Nusbaum Center. The Chief Diversity Officer is appointed by the President of the University and shall serve as chair.

Part 2 

Estimated proportion of students that has participated in cultural competence, anti-oppression, anti-racism, and/or social inclusion trainings and activities:
Most

Estimated proportion of academic staff that has participated in cultural competence, anti-oppression, anti-racism, and/or social inclusion trainings and activities:
Most

Estimated proportion of non-academic staff that has participated in cultural competence, anti-oppression, anti-racism, and/or social inclusion trainings and activities:
Some

If trainings are made available, provide:

A brief description of the institution’s cultural competence, anti-oppression, anti-racism, and/or social inclusion trainings and activities:
The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC) regularly holds trainings and workshops for the campus community. They have provided training for all new students and new student orientation and recently provided training at a faculty presession meeting (all faculty were expected to attend). VWU is also a member of the Liberal Arts Colleges Racial Equity Leadership Alliance (LACRELA). Several staff and faculty have participated in LACRELA training programs. Additional trainings that have been offered on campus include Safe Space training for faculty and staff and unconscious bias training. We regularly hold events on anti-racism and social inclusion such as Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, Women’s Empowerment Slam. Events are held for World AIDS Day, National Coming Out Day, Trans* Remembrance Day, Mental Health Awareness day, MLK Jr. speakers, MLK Jr. Day of Service, Women’s History Month and Black History Month. This includes lectures, films, trainings, and workshops focusing on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, bias recognition, ability, social justice and civic education.

Optional Fields 

Website URL where information about the institution’s diversity and equity office or trainings is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
---

Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Likely 85%-90% of traditional day students have completed this training. (From
Kayleigh Poggioli, Assistant to the Vice President for Campus Life and Operational Management)
Other information from Brian Kurisky, Keith Moore, and Kelly Jackson.

The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.