We aim to achieve inclusive excellence at Lake Forest College through the activities and programs of our newly established Office of Inclusive Excellence housed within the Office of Campus Life. Our approach builds on prior work to support all within the Forester community and, where needed, provides specialized services to those with marginalized identities. Our College mission states “We value cultural diversity”, and we must uphold that value with greater institutional focus, resources, and systems.
Identifying leadership and defining the mission, scope, and activities of the Office of Inclusive Excellence at Lake Forest College will take time but we will begin to do by:
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Recruiting an Associate Dean for Inclusive Excellence
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Recruiting an Associate Director for Inclusive Excellence Programming within the Gates Center
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Providing ongoing specialized support for international students
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Providing greater transparency to campus about efforts leading to inclusive excellence
In addition, the newly created President’s Council on Inclusive Excellence will play a pivotal role in advising and reporting to the President and College Council on matters pertaining to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in every aspect of campus through the Forester Future Framework. The Council on Inclusive Excellence can be thought of as a type of workstream of our meaningful change and ensure that diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are an integral part of Our Forester Future.
The President’s Council on Inclusive Excellence includes faculty appointed by FPPC (Faculty Personnel Policies Committee), staff appointed by staff council and students appointed by the Dean of Students. The council will meet regularly, minutes will be provided to the entire campus, and any work products will be posted here. Please continue to check back for updates.