Diversity and Inclusion Resources for Faculty

The Value of Diversity and Inclusion at Champlain College

Champlain College strives to create a diverse and inclusive community. In order to maintain a supportive educational environment, prepare students for life experiences and provide an accepting workplace for employees, we as a community must develop opportunities for each of us to better understand our own beliefs and values to fully embrace new ideas and perspectives. To this end, we pursue challenges that allow us to question pre-conceived ideas and beliefs that inform or infringe upon our commitments and to implement measurable inclusive practices.

One of Champlain College's strengths is its commitment to fostering respect among students, faculty, staff, administrators and members of our local community. While we're aware that serious exploration of issues surrounding diversity and inclusion may generate conflict or tension, we see this as an opportunity to engage different points of view in conversations that will ultimately help our organization to be more inclusive and mindful of diversity. We as a community, therefore, endeavor to create a safe environment for all members to discuss, challenge and explore the benefits of being in a community that seeks to become more diverse and inclusive in its behavior, policies and practices. (Adopted September 2009)

The following is a brief synopsis of some of the ways Champlain supports achievement of this value.

Supporting Student Learning

C.A.R.E. (Champlain Achievement, Retention and Success) Program

As part of our continuing efforts to support students and increase retention and success, we've launched a mentoring program for underrepresented and underserved students. The program consists of a pre-orientation program, faculty/staff mentors, and incentives for students to engage in behaviors that are shown to increase college success. Mentors meet with their mentee weekly to build a relationship, provide support, connect their student with resources and alert appropriate parties if additional assistance is needed. For more information or to volunteer as a mentor, please contact Ame Lambert at alambert@champlain.edu or (802) 860-2784.

Affinity Groups

Affinity groups at Champlain provide a means for support, resources and socializing. Each group functions independently. Current affinity groups are for LGBTQ staff, faculty and their allies; Jewish staff and faculty; LGBTQ students and allies; and the Cultural Community Alliance for students. Champlain welcomes more affinity groups. For those interested in joining or starting a group, please contact Ame Lambert at alambert@champlain.edu or (802) 860-2784.

Supporting Faculty Learning

Intercultural U: Leveraging the Power of Diversity

Champlain's intercultural training certification program is an innovative initiative designed to prepare members of the College community to serve as peer trainers and intercultural/diversity facilitators. The program comprises 25 hours of training provided in two-hour modules. The program is open to all Champlain faculty, administrators and staff who can commit to their own development and assist in the development of others on campus. The time invested is well-spent as participants become part of an engaged community of action with a common framework, develop further on their personal intercultural journey and become better equipped to move the College toward its diversity and inclusion goals. For more information, please contact Ame Lambert at alambert@champlain.edu or (802) 860-2784.

Faculty Professional Development and Multicultural Affairs Committees

These committees create opportunities for Champlain faculty members to gain skills and exposure to career-enhancing initiatives, including diversity programs.

Resources for Diversity and Inclusion at Champlain and beyond

This is by no means a comprehensive list of resources but is just a sampling.