Organizational Culture, Inclusion & Equity

Simmons is committed to inclusive excellence in all aspects of an individual’s community experience. Our values, vision and mission mandate that we strive to create an environment that is free from bias, prejudice, discrimination and hurtful/hateful acts that can prevent each member from thriving in the Simmons community.

Our Value Statement

We honor the humanity, dignity, and individuality of each member of our Simmons community.

Our Vision of Our Community

Simmons University will be a warm, welcoming, inclusive community that appreciates, values, and respects the humanity, dignity, diversity, and contributions of all its members. We are committed to engaging one another to address the dynamic, evolving issues of our community and our world.

Our Mission

We, the Office of Organizational Culture, Inclusion, and Equity (OCIE), were created because of the 10 Demands of 2015 and were charged with fostering a campus culture free of racism and bias as well as further the values of diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging (DEIB). Diversity includes race, color, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status or class/SES. 

OCIE spearheads transformative work by partnering with various departments to examine, assess and improve systemic and programmatic practices, processes and protocols. In our work, our office has dedicated itself to aiding faculty, and staff from minority and underrepresented groups by promoting DEIB. In addition, we are committed to the advancement of the professional development and education of faculty and staff about DEIB pedagogy in order to provide equitable instruction and consideration to diverse students and support their development and establishment of identity.

Contact Information

Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

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Goals and Outcomes

Our long-term vision for Simmons is to become the most inclusive and welcoming academic community in New England. Our goals and outcomes are directly tied to the President's nine strategic goals.

Resources

OCIE recognizes that this current moment has prompted important community concerns surrounding xenophobia, accessibility, health disparities and equity — in higher education and beyond provides regularly updated resources related to equity and inclusion.

Programming

OCIE offers a vast array of educational and social events, programs, and resources that aim to engage, support, empower, and celebrate students, staff, and faculty of color and those of marginalized and underrepresented backgrounds.

UPCOMING CULTURE, INCLUSION & EQUITY EVENTS