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Athletics Diversity & Inclusion Designee
ATHLETICS DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION DESIGNEE
X. Has your institution designated an individual as the athletics diversity and inclusion designee as defined in Constitution 3.2.4.23?
YES
GLEN HALBERT, Athletics Diversity & Inclusion Designee / Associate Director of Facilities & Intramurals
Glen Halbert serves as The W’s Diversity & Inclusion Designee for the Owls’ intercollegiate athletics program. Additionally, Halbert works as the Associate Director of Facilities and Intramurals within the Campus Recreation office.
A native of Columbus, Miss., Halbert began work at The W in 2015 as a Residence Director in the Office of Housing and Residence Life. He moved over to Campus Recreation in 2016 as the Assistant Director of Facilities and Aquatics Coordinator, prior to his current position.
Halbert graduated from The W in 2013.
Halbert is very involved on campus. In addition to his duties as the ADID, Halbert serves as a member of the University’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council. From 2017-21, he was a member of the MUW Staff Council.
Halbert serves his country as a member of the Mississippi National Guard (combat medic) from 2006-2013, and from 2021 to the present. He is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom (2011-13).
He is married to wife Victoria. Halbert is the son of Maria Halbert and Garther Halbert Jr.
Commitment to gender equity, diversity and inclusion in our athletic program
Mississippi University for Women Athletics mirrors the NCAA and the University in its belief in and commitment to diversity, inclusion and gender equity among its student-athletes, coaches and administrators. We seek to establish and maintain an inclusive culture that fosters equitable participation for student-athletes and career opportunities for coaches and administrators from diverse backgrounds. Diversity and inclusion improve the learning environment for all student-athletes and give a stronger foundation in our pursuit of excellence.
The Owls Athletic Department created the Gender Equity and the Diversity and Inclusion plans. Currently, we are evaluating, reviewing and assessing these plans. We are confident we have met or are working toward accomplishing the goals outlined in the plans. We look forward to building on this strong foundation. Both plans were extended through 2022 due to the impact of COVID-19 and the transitional period within the athletics department in which a number of full-time staff members left, including, but not limited to the Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation, the Assistant Athletic Director/Head Volleyball Coach, the Head Coaches for Baseball, Men’s Basketball, the Director of Athletic Communications and a number of full time and graduate assistants.
The Athletics Department promotes respect and understanding of diversity issues. We utilize the essential partnerships and resources offered throughout the University. Our Diversity and Inclusion Designee and our Faculty Athletics Representative served on the Strategic Planning Taskforce which selected Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as one of our priorities. Glen Halbert is currently serving on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council which was established in 2020.
The diversity education and programs provided help to create a supportive and inclusive environment. This year’s University’s common read was Just Mercy. The University provided opportunities to gain understanding and knowledge via zoom discussion and presentations, an event on the lawn viewing the movie which also provided an opportunity for thoughtful discussion, deeper understanding and active support. The policies for hiring are the same for all employees at the institution. We are evaluating the budgets, schedules, equipment, so on and so forth to ensure equity in athletics. Budgets and coaches’ salaries are built equally to provide a foundation for an equitable environment. We are consistently reviewing our policies and procedures regarding Title IX and gender equity. The Equity in Athletics Data Analysis and
Disclosure Report was completed the Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation/Senior Woman Administrator, the athletic staff, the CFO, the President, and institutional research officials. The report is reviewed by all entities prior to submission. The EADA gives our department a baseline view of the daily and yearly needs for our department. It allows us to analyze the findings and make adjustments based on the findings. We streamline all of our processes for purchasing, meal allocation, travel, and equipment to maintain an equitable environment across all 17 sports. These processes take the guess work out of decisions made on behalf of the student-athlete and department. It is our goal and plan to provide the same resources across the board.
As a University, we have had several seminars and speakers on campus concerning equity and inclusion. Our goal as a University and department is to provide an environment free from discrimination and bias. The athletic department incorporates LGTBQ education and training to create an environment within the department that encourages inclusion and diversity. As well as our department participates in unconscious bias, title ix trainings, preventing discrimination and harassment educations and training. We have also focused our SAAC conversations on this topic and will continue to develop specific events centered around inclusion. We have scheduled time in each of our departmental meetings for diversity, equity and inclusion which includes open dialogue, information/experience sharing, safe zone training information.
The MUW Counseling Center provided safe zone training this fall and will have another one this spring. Safe Zone is an educational program that fosters a safe and civil community for all individuals, particularly members of our community who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, plus (LGBTQIA+). Goal #1 is to promote understanding, create awareness and respect for all members of our community, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identification. Goal #2 is to create a visible network of faculty, staff and student volunteers with whom students can discuss personal issues without feeling judged or threatened. Those who complete the training and display the Safe Zone placard will indicate to students their willingness to be available as part of a "safe" campus network to discuss any issues they face.
The Mississippi University for Women strives to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for all faculty, staff and students in our community. In our most recent athletic department meeting, our ADID, Glen Halbert, led us through a few case studies. We discussed opportunities to promote healthy environments, creating successful outcomes, removing
barriers and making sure that we are a welcoming campus. Our homework was to reflect on 2-3 of our most defining moments and be prepared to discuss them at our next meeting. This session finished by reminding us that we have individuals on our campus who feel marginalized and it is our job to everything in our power ensure everyone knows that they have a voice, a place and are respected.
