Campus Equity and Diversity

Message from the Executive Director, Kathleen Roberts

Welcome to the Office of Campus Diversity and Equity website. I am excited that you have chosen to visit us and learn more about the service we provide at this great University. The USM Office of Campus Diversity and Equity seeks to provide equal access and inclusiveness for under represented groups in the USM community through multicultural programming, minority student and professional development and community outreach. We further strive to develop and maintain a safe and harassment-free environment for the entire USM community through conflict resolution and compliance with discrimination laws and university policies. The Office of Campus Diversity and Equity is dedicated to cultivating a University that is equitable in all of it's endeavors. Over the years we have made siginificant progress, and I am grateful to all who support this office.

President's Council on Diversity

The President's Council on Diversity consists of a cross section of faculty, staff and students that advise the President on issues of equity, diversity, social justice, multiculturalism, and inclusion within the university community.

The Council welcomes new members for '07-'08. Council membership is a Presidential appointment. If interested please contact Kathleen Roberts, Executive Director of Diversity and Equity at kroberts@usm.maine.edu

PCD meeting schedule for Spring Semester '08 includes the following dates: 1/11/08, 2/15/08, 3/21/08, 4/18/08, 5/23/08

Time- 9:00 -11:00 am

Place - Special Collections Reading Room, 6 flr Glickman Library

Diversity Action Plan

Diversity Initiatives

President's Council on Diversity Member List

Diversity Dialogue Readings

Multicultural Student Affairs

Multicultural Student Affairs works to increase the awareness and appreciation of the many diverse cultures and ethnicity at USM through programming, dialogue, and cultural events. It engages Native American, African, African/American, Latino, Asian, Asian/American student development and academic support in achievement of career and other perceived goals. The office is also the home of the North American Indian Tuition Waiver/Scholarship Program, Culture Beat, and the Multicultural Center.

North American Indian Tuition Waiver Scholarship Program

The Waiver/Scholarship Program of the University of Maine System has been established to encourage eligible Native Americans to pursue higher education in Maine. The tuition waiver program covers the cost of tuition and mandatory fees, and room and board on campus at the double room rate.

The University Ombuds Office

The University Ombuds Office is an independent, impartial resource to assist members of the campus community in resolving various issues by assuming one or more roles as active listener, facilitator, or mediator.

Services are offered in an informal manner, and represent the University's commitment to treat all members of our campus community with fundamental fairness and equity.

Strict confidentiality is maintained at all times, except in situations that involve sexual harassment or if there is a real threat of serious harm to the complainant or others. No formal written records are kept, and except as noted above, the ombudsperson will take no action without the permission of the complainant.

The EEO Office

The University of Southern Maine is committed to maintaining a respectful, fair educational, living and working environment, free from discrimination or harassment. The goal of the University is to prevent discrimination or harassment from occurring and to provide a means of raising and resolving complaints.

Affirmative Action Information Survey