Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Council
DEI Advisory Council Mission Statement
In trying to reverse a trend in which all students have not felt welcome at Cabrini University, which has been especially true for BIPOC students, LatinX students, LGBTQIA+ students, first generational students, and international students. This Advisory Council committee seeks to provide recommendations, goals, outcome indicators, and accountability measures to the Cabrini University senior leadership team, with the hopes of advocating for true equity for students and a robust inclusivity infrastructure, in which everyone feels a sense of belonging at Cabrini University.
How do we define Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Cabrini
Diversity: Individual differences, such as personality, learning styles, life experiences, and group or social differences, including race, ethnicity, socioeconomic class, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, ability, and cultural, political, religious, or other affiliations.
Equity: The creation of opportunities for historically underrepresented populations to have equal access to educational programs and professional opportunities; closing the achievement gaps in student success and completion as well as professional advancement for employees.
Inclusion: The active, intentional, and ongoing engagement with diversity to increase one’s awareness, knowledge, and empathic understanding of the complex ways individuals interact within systems and institutions; building community; providing a voice to all members of the community.
Who is the DEI Advisory Council?
We are a collection of diverse individuals:
- who represent a cross section of the Cabrini University community, including, current students, alumni, faculty, staff, and trustees
- who have chosen to unite to improve diversity, equity and inclusion amongst the Cabrini students’ and campus community
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who care about Cabrini University students’ educational, social and spiritual experiences
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who will provide SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound) recommendations/goals
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who each possess unique skill sets and expertise to address racial, implicit bias and microaggression issues
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who will be flexible, innovative, collaborative, responsive and receptive
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who welcome the opportunity to have uncomfortable conversations without personal offense
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who are entrusted to hold the Board of Trustees and Cabrini University leadership accountable
DEI Advisory Council Plan and Pledge
To Cabrini University Leadership, All Members of the Cabrini University Community:
We aspire to achieve the highest levels of excellence at Cabrini University, and our dedication to academic excellence for the public good is inseparable from our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
This plan to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion at Cabrini University reflects the Cabrini University Core Values of Respect, Vision, Community and Dedication to Excellence, which emanates from the life of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, the charism of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart, and the Catholic educational tradition. This plan is made possible by you, the members of our community. The plan includes recommendations, new investments and measures of accountability originated and shaped by thoughtful input and ideas.
The continuing issues of injustice in our society, and inequity of outcomes and resources on our University has brought heightened attention to issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. But because we are an institution of process and constant development, we are must always progress toward what we ought to be.
While we are proud to present this document to the Cabrini University Leadership, the Cabrini University Board of Trustees and beyond, we hope that everyone understands that it is both a plan and a pledge. It is one important step in our journey, but it is far from the end of our commitment.
We will continue to assess our progress, test new ideas and have difficult conversations about tough issues. We will listen and we will learn as we move forward—together. This plan includes many voices, and it represents faculty, staff, trustees and most importantly students. Thank you for engaging in this important work with us and for your dedication to making Cabrini University a better place for all.
Sincerely,
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Council
Liberal Arts College Racial Equity Leadership Alliance (LACRELA)
The Liberal Arts Colleges Racial Equity Leadership Alliance (LACRELA) is a membership program launched from the USC Race and Equity Center. LACRELA creates an opportunity for higher education institutions to establish relationships with other colleges and with experts who share our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Learn more about Cabrini's membership in LACRELA