By Terry Bowe, associate vice president for diversity, equity, inclusion and human resources
The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) is excited to share how we have celebrated diversity and promoted equity on our campus this semester. As the College continues to foster an inclusive and diverse campus community, the DEI Office would like to share a review of the initiatives and events that have occurred over the semester.
In September, the Multicultural Cookout had a high attendance of students, faculty and staff. The most I have seen in my tenure at SMWC. It was one of the first events of the year where we came together as a community and created lasting memories of togetherness and understanding. The afternoon was filled with good food, cultural exploration, unity and the celebration of our beautiful differences. A venue that reflected an ambiance of reflection of a truly united campus from our athletic teams, student organizations and campus support pieces such as the Diversity Council.
Belonging Initiative: Faculty and staff have been participating in several webinars focused on supporting belonging for students at SMWC. Many students, more than we may think, question if they belong and if they can succeed at The Woods, and many of us have also had moments where we felt out of place despite the credentials and qualifications we bring. Our campus has joined the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) and the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) for fall webinars and conversations to strengthen the feeling of belonging at SMWC. Our campus recognizes the beautiful collection of spirits, colors and perspectives that our students, faculty and staff represent, and we will continue to exercise our ability to unite and recognize the value in them all.
The College’s annual Foundation Day of Service was once again a highly attended event that shared personal and group perspectives of love, community service and conversations around DEI and the perspectives of many, both collectively and individually. It was a wonderful day of fellowship and service. During the opening program, several student organizations shared perspectives on Foundation Day and DEI topics.
The Diversity Council continues to expand and provide resources to help our growth in the DEI space, providing alternative and realistic opportunities for faculty, staff and students to share thoughts and experiences. One resource that has been established is the SAFE SPACE initiative, which allows individuals to share experiences and conversations, whether personal or campus-initiated, in a confidential environment without judgment. Providing this service allows for freedom of speech and expression and provides an avenue for our campus community to feel connected and engaged with experiences happening individually or on campus.
As our campus grows in its visible diversity, our office has been determining the best use of language. Through research and a look back at our values, we have determined that we will continue using Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, along with working towards creating a culture of belonging.
As our office moves forward, we encourage all students, faculty, staff and members of The Woods community to engage in the many initiatives and events that promote awareness, inclusivity and belonging within the SMWC campus. Participation will contribute to our shared goal of making The Woods a place where diversity is not just celebrated but deeply ingrained in our culture.
For more information on any of these events or to get involved with the DEI Office, please reach out at Terry.Bowe@smwc.edu.
Thank you for your commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse campus community.
Terry Bowe has served in Higher Education for over two decades. With over 15 years of experience in human resources, Bowe joined The Woods in 2021 as associate vice president for human resources after moving to the Wabash Valley from Ohio. Since joining SMWC, Bowe has become very involved on campus. Most recently, he was promoted to associate vice president for diversity, equity, inclusion and human resources. Since taking on his role, Bowe has continued to serve as a driving force for DEI events, initiatives and committees, such as the Diversity Council. Additionally, Bowe is the head coach for the SMWC women’s basketball team.
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