Goal 3

ENSURE SUPPORT FOR

STAFF, FACULTY &

STUDENTS

Intent and Purpose

We commit to establishing a campus culture and learning and work environment in which all members of the campus community can thrive. Nationally, Black, Indigenous and students of color, low-income, and first-generation students retain and graduate at lower levels than overall rates. Nationally, rates for tenure and promotion for Black, Indigenous, and faculty of color are lower than the average, for both negative reasons, such as microaggressions and systemic racism affecting on-campus interactions and performance reviews, and for positive reasons, such as robust competition for faculty who are thriving in their fields. College staff and administrators remain predominantly White; students are more likely to encounter BIPOC people in service roles (maintenance, campus safety, etc.) than in leadership positions.

$1.1 MILLION GIFT TO SUPPORT

STUDENT EXPERIENCE, WITH FOCUS

ON EQUITY AND INCLUSION

–

“The work of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism is many times underfunded and built on the backs of those who are impacted or care for it. This gift allows us to change that narrative and support the efforts, ideas, and work that will make us a stronger, more equitable, and inclusive community.”

Vice President For Equity And Inclusion
María Pabón Gautier

Read Article

3A: Strengthen and advance a culture of inclusion through the development of networks and affinity groups, the orientation of new community members to promote connections; identify points of welcome

A revised Week One orientation for students (also see Appendix 1 for related issues
of training)
St. Olaf Orientation to Academics and Resources pilot in 2018-19; 2019-20 expansion
Connect for Success (see 3.b)
The Taylor Center staffing and programming for domestic multicultural, international,
and LGBTQIA+ students
POSSE and SSS TRIO specialized programming and mentoring for certain members
the student body
CILA programming including
- Orientation for new faculty members
- Learning communities for new faculty members
- Mentoring program for faculty members
Orientation for new staff members
All-staff meetings (launched in 2017)
To Include is To Excel sponsored sessions for faculty of color, focusing on professional
thriving

3B: Invest in robust advising and academic support services

See Goal 1 regarding the training of new advisors.
The Center for Advising and Academic Support provides a robust array of support services. Specialized services include:
- Academic coaching
- Workshops: study strategies, time management mindfulness, test anxiety
- Supplemental Instruction and tutoring.
- Additional writing assistance and courses
- Accessibility and Access services, including advising and accommodations
- Connect for Success, a pilot program launched in spring 2018 that pairs a cohort
  of first-generation, first-year students with a faculty or staff mentor.
- SOAR—Student Orientation to Academics and Resources—piloted in 2018/19 by
  the Athletics Department, Center for Advising and Academic Support, and Piper
  Center for Vocation and Career offering workshops. In 2019/20, a second pilot of
  SOAR is expanded to include up to 250 first-year students.
- Ole Pass (Professional and Academic Student Support): provides students on
  probation with support and resources
- Intensive advising for students on probation
- Advising support for DACA students
- TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) TRIO. With retention and graduation rates for
  participating students that are typically on par with the college overall, St. Olaf’s SSS TRIO
  program is nationally recognized.
- Summer Bridge. As part of the SSS TRIO program, qualifying first-year students arrive on
  campus early to take two college courses, learn about campus life, and begin to establish
  good study habits and supportive relationships.
- The POSSE program enrolls annually 10-12 first-year inner-city students and provides
  specialized advising and enrichment programs for the students’ four years. SSS TRIO also
  extends much of its programming to POSSE students.
- Hiring of mental health counselors who specialize in counseling international and
  domestic students of color.

Develop a one-stop shop website providing information about resources for students.
Consider assessing the use of email aliases and newsletters to create easier access to
resources available to students.
Develop an informational Admissions/New Student brochure that provides information
about programming, opportunities, and other resources available for all students,
including resources serving particular cohorts of students.
Review pilot programs such as OLE Pass, SOAR, Connect for Success to identify which
elements should be applied broadly to all students and which programs should focus on
particular cohorts.
Launch proactive advising for students who may be at higher risk of not retaining
Develop a case management and early alert system to identify and support struggling
students

3C: Further under-represented students’ post-baccalaureate preparation through vocational and scholarship/fellowship programming.

Building on the successful strategies and collaborations that facilitate participation for
many first-generation, low-income, domestic multicultural, and international students in
career and vocational opportunities and internships, identify opportunities and craft
strategies to address remaining disparities.
Explore the feasibility and advisability of developing a McNair-like program as a way of
expanding access to this kind of opportunity.
Investigate opportunities to enhance international student applications for postbaccalaureate
fellowships and scholarships.

3D: Enhance support systems to retain under-represented members of the tenure-track faculty and staff

Implicit bias training (see Goal/Appendix 1)
To Include is To Excel-sponsored session for department chairs and administrators
regarding career issues experienced by faculty of color.
Several To Include is to Excel grants awarded for studying departmental culture.
All-staff meetings, established in 2017/18, intended to help staff members get to know
each other and to provide knowledge about the college generally, and about specific
issues pertinent to staff members
Programming for new faculty members through the Center for Innovation in the Liberal
Arts and To Include is To Excel (see 3.a, above)
Participation in the ACM-Mellon Faculty Fellows program, which provides resources and
networking opportunities for the fellows
The college offers membership of new tenure track faculty of color in the National Center
for Faculty Development and Diversity.

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Next: Goal 4