Committees
Inclusive Excellence Council
The Inclusive Excellence Council (IEC) functions as an extension of the Division of Inclusive Excellence and an institutional DEIA brain trust. The IEC contributes to divisional and institutional efforts to advance diversity, equity, inclusion and antiracism. The IEC convenes quarterly during the academic year.
- Neal Christopherson, Director of Institutional Research (ex officio)
- Jeanine Gordon, Special Assistant to the President for Native American Outreach, Office of the President; member of Pášx̣apa Advisory Council for CTUIR Collaboration; staff representative (ex officio)
- Shelby Hearn, Director of LGBTQIA+ Student Services; staff representative (ex officio)
- Mary Raschko, Associate Dean for Faculty Development, Academic Affairs; Associate Professor of English; faculty representative (ex officio)
- NiQo Bullock, Associate Director Student Activities (2-year term)
- Cheysen Cabuyadao-Sipe, Resident Director and Intercultural Program Manager (ex officio)
- Sydney London, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations (2-year term)
- Micaiah Newman, Resident Director (2-year term)
- Laura Norris, Director of the Health Center (2-year term)
- Deo Rubangakene, ASWC President
- Student, ASWC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chair
- Catherine ʻĪmaikalani Ulep, Assistant Professor of History (2-year term)
- Cindy Saldana, Director of Disability Access Services (ex officio)
- Interfaith Chaplain (ex officio)
- Natasha Blake, Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Inclusive Excellence (ex officio)
What’s the NACCC? What does HEDS stand for? Who is IPEDS? The College collects a considerable amount of data on the Whitman experience, from demographic data that provides a sense of the compositional diversity, to climate and engagement data that helps paint a picture of community wellbeing and experiences of harm. Community literacy about the role, value and results of research on inclusive excellence is an important part of building an inclusive community. The Climate and Data subcommittee works to increase campus awareness and understanding of inclusive excellence metrics and outcomes.
The Community Learning Days subcommittee works on designing, coordinating and delivering a substantive DEIA learning experience for the Whitman community at the start of each semester. Community Learning Days help faculty and staff prepare for the arrival and return of our students by providing information about the changing needs and demographic profile of Whitman students, while also building capacity to advance inclusive excellence.
Previous sessions have focused on strategies to create a more inclusive classroom, cultural taxation and systems of oppression, as well as content to help staff navigate professional boundaries and hierarchies from different social identities.
In 2022, the Division of Diversity and Inclusion began accepting applications for DEIA Cultivation Grants. The next year, the Division launched the Inclusive Excellence Awards. The Division of Inclusive Excellence takes its responsibility seriously to cultivate, recognize and celebrate inclusive excellence at Whitman. The Grants and Awards subcommittee reviews grant applications and award nominations and assists with the coordination and planning of the Annual Inclusive Excellence Awards and Recognition Ceremony.
As part of a strategic capacity building effort, microlessons and skillshops are an effective way to deliver diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism and accessibility content that is digestible and actionable for learners. The Microlessons and Skillshops subcommittee coordinates a series of learning opportunities each semester that are offered by current Whitman faculty and staff and provide a platform for the community to share and grow our collective DEIA competencies. A microlesson on Cyberbullying or Affirmative Consent could be meaningful and helpful. A skillshop on how to add alt text on social media posts can be valuable. A review of our Principles of Inclusive Excellence or a short session on why “Happy Holidays” might be a more inclusive holiday greeting can help produce a more inclusive campus climate. The Microlessons and Skillshops subcommittee identifies presenters, reviews and/or designs content and coordinates the delivery and assessment of these regular DEIA learning sessions across campus.
Inclusive Excellence Thought Partners Committee
The Inclusive Excellence Thought Partners Committee will serve as a cross-divisional advisory and collaborative body dedicated to advancing the college’s commitment to inclusive excellence. Comprised of representatives from each Cabinet division, the committee will work to strengthen institutional alignment, foster shared responsibility, and support the development of practices and initiatives that work to create a more equitable, inclusive and welcoming campus environment.
- Sylvia Carey-Butler, Vice President for Inclusive Excellence (Chair)
- Erika Cerda Adžemović, Associate Vice President for Human Resources
- Michelle Glenn Costa, Assistant Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations
- Heather Dygert, Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Admissions and Financial Aid
- Greg Powell, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Security
- Mary Raschko, Associate Dean for Faculty Development and Associate Professor of English
College Accessibility Committee
The College Accessibility Committee is charged with creating an inclusive, accessible environment in support of equitable student success, with the primary charge of the College Accessibility Committee to review and address the accessibility needs and issues that arise at the college. Guided by the college’s statement to create and uphold a “community where everyone can participate fully in the life of the college and experience a genuine sense of belonging,” the College Accessibility Committee will engage in collaborative and informed practices to ensure equitable access to facilities and experiences at Whitman.
- Sarah Bailey, Disability Access Services Specialist
- Sylvia Carey-Butler, Vice President for Inclusive Excellence
- Juli Dunn, Assistant Vice President of Student Life
- Kaylei Goodine, Director of Equity and Compliance/Title IX Coordinator
- Shelby Hearn, Interim Director of Identity & Belonging
- Tony Ichsan, Assistant Vice President for Facilities Services
- Andrew Johnson, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life & Housing
- Aimée Milne, Assistant Vice President for Wellness
- Bradley Nelson, Internal Communications Strategist
- Cara Setchell, Associate Director of Human Resources
- Colette Marie, Academic Success Coach
- Cindy Saldana, Director of Disability Access Services
- Dan Terrio, Associate Vice President for Technology Services