Renewing Our Commitment to Inclusive Excellence (August 27)

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 10:34:28 -0400
diversity

Dear Campus Community,

As we prepare to welcome students and employees back to campus for a new academic year, we would like to take this opportunity to reflect on our shared goals, values, and commitment to each other, and to reaffirm UMBC’s commitment to inclusive excellence.

UMBC is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of the campus community and recognizes its responsibility to support an environment that is free from discrimination and bias, including sexual harassment, interpersonal violence, and related misconduct. UMBC values safety; diversity of thought, background and ability; social responsibility; lifelong learning; equity; and civic engagement. Consistent with these principles, UMBC does not discriminate in offering equal access to its educational programs and activities.

UMBC’s Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) is responsible for promoting and supporting the University’s core values of inclusive excellence and equity, and has primary responsibility for managing UMBC’s efforts related to Title IX and civil rights issues, including discrimination, harassment, hate, and bias.

OEI’s work requires the active engagement of campus partners and each member of the UMBC community to reduce harm as we continue to build a caring, equitable, and inclusive community. In order to support the UMBC community in this partnership, OEI provides a mandatory annual training program on such topics as sexual harassment and sexual violence prevention; it also provides information on how to report instances of sexual harassment, sexual violence and hate/bias to OEI. This year the required training is being offered online through SafeColleges and was assigned to students on July 30, 2021, and to employees on August 23, 2021. The student deadline for completion is September 6, 2021, and the employee deadline is October 31, 2021. If you have questions about the training, please see our training FAQ page or email us at OEItraining@umbc.edu.

OEI also engages the campus community via the Inclusion Council, a group consisting of students, faculty, staff, and alumni that advises OEI and provides a venue to discuss relevant issues. The Inclusion Council is now accepting applications for membership. If you are interested in learning more and applying, please see the Inclusion Council membership application.

OEI strives to make your learning and working environment free from harm and to provide resources to community members. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or discrimination, please know that support is available.

To make a report or referral related to hate, bias, discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, stalking, dating/domestic violence, please access OEI's private online report and referral form.

For community resources and support, please see the OEI website, dial 211, or visit 211 Maryland.

For emergencies, please contact your local police via 911 or UMBC Police at 410-455-5555. If you do not feel you are able to contact law enforcement, please dial 211 or visit 211 Maryland.

We look forward to seeing you on campus this fall and welcome your partnership during this upcoming academic year.

President Freeman Hrabowski
Provost Philip Rous
Mehrshad Devin, President, Student Government Association
Orianne Smith, President, Faculty Senate
Joel Tyson, President, Graduate Student Association
Melody Wright, M.A. '21, President, Non-Exempt Staff Senate
Jess Wyatt, President, Professional Staff Senate