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A Definition of Multiculturalism
from the Student Services Profession
“Multiculturalism is a state of being in which an individual feels
comfortable and communicates effectively with people from any culture, in any
situation, because she or he has developed the necessary knowledge and skills
to do so. In other words, the multicultural person has mastered the process
of continually learning about culture, quickly and effectively, so that he or
she can adapt to a variety of different cultural settings with minimal
discomfort.”
— (Talbot, D.M., p. 381 in Komives, S.R. and Woodard, D.B. (1996) Student
services: A handbook for the profession, 3rd Edition. San
Francisco: Jossey-Bass)
Bard College’s Statement of
Commitment to Diversity
Bard College reaffirms its historical commitment to the
maintenance of an educational community in which diversity is an essential and
valued component. To that end, we believe that considerations for race,
ethnicity, religious belief, sexual orientation, gender, class, physical
ability, national origin, and age should enrich intellectual engagement and
development. In every aspect of the College’s operations, therefore – in
admissions, in student services, in faculty and staff appointments, in student
life, in public events, and in the curriculum – our responsibility to diversity
is expressed. Our students, faculty, staff and administration stand united in
support of an inclusive environment in which freedom of expression is balanced
with a respectful standard of dialogue.
About the Office of Multicultural
Affairs
The mission of the Assistant Dean of Students for Multicultural
Affairs is to enhance the academic, social and personal lives of students by
fortifying a campus environment inclusive of human diversity in all its forms.
The Assistant Dean facilitates lectures, workshops, discussion groups,
residence hall programs, and outreach programs that help the community explore
the complexities of issues involving race, ethnicity, and culture. The
Assistant Dean advocates for the equitable treatment and inclusion of students
belonging to historically marginalized social groups, and also serves as a
resource for students involved in racial, ethnic, or cultural conflict in any
aspect of their lives at Bard College.
Contact the Office of Multicultural
Affairs
Geneva A. Foster, Assistant Dean of Students/Director of
Multicultural Affairs
Office of Multicultural Affairs, Bard College, Bertelsmann Campus Center 227
Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504-5000; Telephone: 845.758.7092; E-mail: diversity@bard.edu
Resources
- DEFINITION OF SEXUAL HARASSMMENT
What
constitutes sexual harassment may vary based on particular facts and
circumstances. Generally, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual
favors, and other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature may be
considered to constitute unlawful sexual harassment when either:
- Submission to or rejection of such conduct is made either explicitly or
implicitly a tem or condition of instruction or employment decisions or
evaluations or participation in Bard College activates.
- The conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an
individual’s performance by creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive
environment.
- NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
The
Bard College community comes from many different backgrounds and includes
different religions, races, ethnic ancestries, and sexual orientations. At
Bard College we celebrate this diversity and recognize that persons are
entitled to be treated with tolerance, respect, dignity, and understanding.
Bard College is committed to freedom of thought, speech, and discourse in an
atmosphere uncorrupted by unlawful discrimination. Bard College, therefore,
prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, sexual
orientation, age, ethnic origin, physical ability, or military veteran status.
Any behavior that violates this policy will be thoroughly investigated, and the
violators of such policy will be subject to disciplinary actions.
- HARASSMENT/DISCRIMINATION POLICY
HARASSMENT HOTLINE: 888.323.4198
Discrimination and harassment of any kind, including sexual harassment, will
not be tolerated. Those believing that they have been unlawfully harassed or
discriminated against on the basis of their race, religion, color, national or
ethnic origins, alienage, age, military status, sexual orientation, and/or
gender or sex, including sexual harassment can contact the Dean of Students
Office,
Bard’s
Response to Rape and Associated Violence Education (B.R.A.V.E.), the Safety and Security
Office,
the Office of Multicultural Affairs, any College official or an external
investigator via the Harassment Hotline listed above.
Programs and Services
- MULTICULTURAL AWARENESS PEERS (MAP)
A student group dedicated to promoting campus dialogue on issues of difference,
prejudice, privilege, and discrimination.
- CAMPUS-WIDE DISCUSSIONS
Large and small groups dialogues facilitated by the Multicultural Awareness
Peers aimed at increasing awareness of race, ethnicity, and cultural issues
impacting the society at large and the campus community. Open communication
about these often-difficult issues within a safe environment is supported and
encouraged.
- FACULTY COMMITTEE FOR DIVERSITY
For
more information contact:
Geneva A. Foster, Assistant Dean of Students/Director of Multicultural Affairs
Office of Multicultural Affairs, Bard College, Bertelsmann Campus Center 227,
Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504-5000; Phone: 845-758-7092;
Fax: 845-758-7646; E-mail: diversity@bard.edu
- DIVERSITY REPORT
The Diversity
Report
is a self-study performed to assess the perspectives, strengths, and challenges
of the Bard community concerning diversity and inclusion issues.
Click here to read the report.
Click here to download a PDf of the report.
Contact
Geneva A. Foster, Assistant Dean of Students/Director of Multicultural Affairs
Office of Multicultural Affairs, Bard College, Bertelsmann Campus Center 227,
Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504-5000; Phone: 845-758-7092;
Fax: 845-758-7646; E-mail: diversity@bard.edu
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