The Wells Diversity Initiative is coordinated by the Office of Institutional Diversity (OID). OID works with the Office of Student Life, the Office of the Dean of the College, the Office of Off Campus Study, and the various diversity committees on campus to strategically plan and implement programs, structures, and processes. 

The Office of Institutional Diversity (OID) was created in the fall of 2006. The mission of the office is to help integrate the core value of diversity across the Wells campus. This includes collaborating with staff, faculty, students, alumnae/i, and community members. OID works closely with the president, dean of students, the dean of the college, director of off-campus studies, and the campus diversity committees to help design, implement, and coordinate diversity programs and policies. 
 

Guiding Philosophy of the Director of the Office of Institutional Diversity,
Stephan Hiroshi Gilchrist, Ed.D.

I envision Wells as a leader in diversity issues locally, nationally, and globally. Part of this vision entails creating an environment that fosters awareness and life long learning of the skills and knowledge necessary for all to live effectively and ethically in a pluralistic democracy, and as part of a global society. This includes: having an understanding of our personal biases and preferences; understanding cultures and groups different than our own; developing the skills of dialogue, intercultural communication, and conflict resolution; and developing systems that work for all people. The Wells diversity initiative is a local manifestation of a global process to create a world in which all people can engage fully, and live meaningful and nonviolent lives.

I am motivated by the opportunity to bring people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives together to help create a vibrant campus that values transformative learning, and sustaining constructive human relationships. As I go about my work, I believe that it is important that my actions reflect the values I associate with diversity. This includes: listening to others; asking questions to better understand perspectives that are different than my own; treating others respectfully; understanding my own preferences, biases, and assumptions about the way things should be and the way people should behave; and being inclusive, collaborative, and transparent.

Conflict is a natural part of living in a diverse world, and can be a learning opportunity for all people involved. The ability to reflect on our often unconscious values, to engage in deep dialogue with others, to negotiate differences, and to find common ground are important skills in constructively transforming conflict, expanding our own understanding of ourselves and others, and creating a world that works for all.