February 28, 2024: Nominations Open for the Inclusive Excellence Council

Whitman College is seeking nominations (including self-nominations) for individuals interested in serving on the Inclusive Excellence Council (IEC). Guided by a set of inclusive excellence principles and a charge from President Bolton, the IEC is a campuswide committee of individuals selected to help advance diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism and accessibility (DEIAA) at Whitman. 

The IEC functions as an extension of the Division of Inclusive Excellence. Individuals selected to serve on the IEC form an institutional DEIAA brain trust, contributing to divisional and institutional efforts to advance inclusive excellence. The IEC convenes each month during the academic year for a two-hour full-committee meeting. Sub-committee meetings are also held monthly and those selected to serve should anticipate committing two hours each week to IEC-related activities.

IEC members contribute insights and guidance based on their lived experience or expertise, help address structural DEIAA awareness gaps, and inspire innovative approaches to advancing inclusive excellence at Whitman. The IEC does not function solely in an advisory capacity. The IEC is chaired by the Vice President for Inclusive Excellence (VPIE) and IEC members assist the Division of Inclusive Excellence, in whole or through subcommittees with: 

• Refining and articulating DEIAA strategic priority suggestions.
• Reviewing and awarding DEIA Cultivation Grants.
• Promoting and assisting with the sharing of DEIA-related campus survey results.
• Coordinating Community Learning Day programming for spring and fall. 
• Curating a collection of DEIAA microlessons or skillshops each semester.
• Organizing the annual Inclusive Excellence Awards initiative and recognition event.
• Serving as ambassadors for the Division and a sounding board for the VPIE.

IEC members are approved by the President’s Cabinet and selected to serve one- or two-year terms. Individuals selected to the council will begin their service at the start of the 2024–2025 academic year. Appointment renewals will be determined by the cabinet. The ASWC President and DEI Chair have ex-officio appointments to the council. Additional at-large students can apply to serve on the IEC through this nomination process and, if selected, will be compensated (at minimum wage) for their service.

Use this form to nominate yourself (or someone else) for a seat on the Inclusive Excellence Council. Nominations received by 7 a.m. on April 15, 2024 will be assured consideration. Contact diversity@whitman.edu with any questions.