Diversity is a set of conscious practices that involve:
Diversity encompasses multiple dimensions, including but not limited to the social and political constructions of race, culture, nationality, ethnicity, religion, ideas, beliefs, geographic origin, class, sexual orientation and identities, gender, gender identities and expressions, disability, and age.
Wells supports and protects diversity and values all individuals and groups free from prejudice; Wells strives to foster a climate of mutual respect. Diversity efforts start with the community we serve, particularly those from historically marginalized and underrepresented groups. Wells College is striving to promote diversity of thought, diversity of experience, and diversity of values.
Efforts to promote diversity and multicultural education at Wells are coordinated by faculty, staff and student committees for Inclusion and Intercultural Excellence. Each has its own areas of focus, but collaboration and shared work are guided by frequent communication, joint meetings, and representation in the overarching President's Advisory Committee for Inclusion and Intercultural Excellence (PACDIIE).
During the 2017-18 year, the faculty and staff committees developed a series of recommendations for all college hiring processes. These will be included in faculty search processes moving forward.
In February 2016, the recently-established Wells College PACDIIE gathered to review the committee's charge: "As our Community Standards Statement indicates, Wells College strives to become a diverse and inclusive community where individuals live, work, teach and learn with a goal of promoting and maintaining an atmosphere of respect. Membership is a privilege that requires all individuals to treat others humanely, and with mutual understanding and tolerance.
"The President's Advisory Committee on Diversity, Inclusion, and Intercultural Excellence is charged with keeping the President informed on issues of diversity and inclusivity and with reviewing policies and programs. This work should facilitate coordination of diversity efforts, improved recruitment and retention of members of underrepresented groups, a more welcoming campus atmosphere, and an overall inclusive community."
As part of their mission to foster intercultural excellence on campus, the committee created a position to guide diversity and inclusion efforts at Wells. In August 2016, Wells welcomed Latesha Fussell as Director of Campus Life for Diversity and Inclusion. Latesha reports directly to the Dean of Students, Jennifer Michael, and provides leadership to improve the cultural climate at Wells by building upon our core community value of social justice.
Latesha Fussell's role on campus is to work with the Wells community to enhance our community's understanding regarding cultural diversity and campus inclusion. Through events, advising, workshops, trainings, and student support, she provides a voice of leadership in campus programs—helping to develop new opportunities, guide conversations, and contribute to diversity efforts that align with the College's mission and goals. She also works collaboratively with the admissions office, faculty, and administration to build and strengthen support networks and to increase and retain representation of historically underrepresented groups. Latesha provides a guiding voice for the Student, Faculty, and Staff Committees for Inclusion and Intercultural Excellence and assists the Dean of Students with general student concerns.
Contact
Latesha Fussell, Main 108, 345.364.3313. Send Email
