Inclusive Excellence Plan Summary by St. Catherine University

Driving a Culture of Inclusive Excellence EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FEBRUARY 2021

St. Catherine University’s Inclusive Excellence Statement Inspired by our founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Catherine University is committed to academic excellence and educating women to lead and influence in a community characterized by respect for human dignity, equity, and solidarity. The mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, “love of God and the dear neighbor without distinction,” impels us to respond to the most urgent needs of society. We do this through intellectual inquiry, which results in transformative leadership for action. We work to create a community and a world in which race, ethnicity, nationality, socioeconomic status, ability, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, and other forms of human difference are neither sources of prejudice nor barriers to equal access, opportunity, representation, and agency. Human diversity is a strength. St. Catherine University acknowledges the historic and current oppression of people based on various intersecting identities. Dismantling the oppression that creates barriers for marginalized people begins by understanding the policies and practices that keep oppression in place, and then acknowledging that we have much work to do. It is not enough to simply denounce oppression. Instead, we must actively address it in the ways that we live, work, and learn. To this end, St. Catherine University works for equity and inclusion within and beyond the classroom and workplace. As citizens of a diverse world, our University is committed to reflecting this diversity in our students, faculty, staff, administrators, Board of Trustees, and alumni in participation, policy, leadership, and equity in opportunities. Our understanding of and respect for human differences is integral to a liberal arts education and preparation for a diverse workforce. Our community challenges itself to be welcoming and respectful, while interacting effectively, sensitively, and with humility in an increasingly diverse, global community. All members of our community should have equitable access to education, safety, care, and career regardless of status, position, or privilege. This is our collective work.

Our Inclusive Excellence Journey at St. Catherine University Inclusive Excellence is not new to St. Catherine University. For more than 100 years, we have been building upon a legacy of influential and visionary women. At the founding of the College of St. Catherine in 1905, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet (CSJs) committed themselves to providing the highest standard of educational excellence to the underserved: women, immigrants, and Catholic. The earliest works related to diversity, equity, and inclusion are tied to a commitment to social justice of the then College of St. Catherine. While the meaning of social justice is a much more capacious one at the University today than it was at the College’s founding, all of the elements that comprised academic excellence, inclusivity, and social justice then are still fundamental to our mission today, despite over a century of social change (Carroll, et al., 2012). Throughout the 20th century, CSJs faced challenges educating women in a patriarchal and sexist society; preserving Catholicism in a Protestant dominated/anti-Catholic prejudiced society especially prevalent in the 1920s and 1930s; serving immigrants/ working class in a time of nativism and class oppression and discrimination; and continually acknowledging and trying to address some of the social and economic injustices in American society through their focus on providing access to an outstanding academic experience. The College admitted its first African American student in 1937. In the 1960s and 70s, under the leadership of President Alberta Huber, CSJ, the College of St. Catherine and the CSJs were actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement, the Women’s Movement, and opposition to the Vietnam war. During this period the college admitted and supported a small but growing population of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students and responded to the demands of the time by becoming one of the first colleges to offer courses in American Indian art and on Ojibwe language. At the same time, the College hired a coordinator of American Indian Activities and the first Counselor of African and African American Students. The last decades of the 20th century were the era in which our definition of social justice broadened most dramatically to comprise more aspects of diversity; the now St. Catherine University was affected by and responded to the significant changes of the era and the social justice issues that came to the forefront (Carroll, et al., 2012). This expanded definition included providing services for students with disabilities and those needing additional academic support through the founding of the O’Neill Center in 1977. By the early 1980s, work around equity, diversity, and inclusion were initiatives and activities guided by a Twelve Point Plan for Diversity led by June Noronha, the founding director of the Multicultural and International Programs and Services Office (MIPS). Later, the principles of this plan were integrated into the work of a Bush Foundation Grant for Diversity and Democracy in the early 2000s. 3

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES & OBJEC

Setting Our Sails Strategic Plan St. Catherine University embarked on a new strategic plan, Setting Our Sails, in 2018.

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The plan calls for the University to: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

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Strengthen academic excellence Stake our claim Forge partnerships Foster forever St. Catherine Drive a culture of Inclusive Excellence Build a strong and sustainable foundation

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Inclusive Excellence is inextricably linked to all of the other University strategic priorities. For example, within the initiatives to Strengthen Academic Excellence, implementing a faculty and staff development model Mission and Vision that addresses preparation for future teaching and Our mission is to educate women to lead and influence. advising calls us to consider the diversity of the students we teach. Likewise investing in physical and We educate at all degree levels through valuing and integrating the technological infrastructure and delivery of systems includes examining access for all members of the St. liberal arts and professional education within the Catholic intellectual tradition, emphasizing scholarly inquiry and social justice teaching as Kate’s community and thus Inclusive Excellence. In essence,lived Inclusive Excellence the “purple by the Sisters of St. Joseph of becomes Carondelet. thread” that is woven through all of the University’s strategic priorities. We welcome a rich diversity of students, with a baccalaureate college for women at the heart of the university and graduate and adult colleges for women and men. Committed to excellence and opportunity, St. Catherine University develops leaders who act with integrity.

In the Spring of 2019, St. Catherine University President, Becky Roloff, established the President’s Our mission is based on three core principles — women, Catholic, liberal Inclusive Excellence Advisory Committee. The most important charge of the committee was to develop arts — supported by three endowed chairs. the top strategic Inclusive Excellence priorities for the next 3Ourtovision 5 years. The Inclusive is to be respected globally forExcellence educating women who transform the world. Statement, strategic priority areas, and the goals outlined in this document reflect the work of members of the Inclusive Excellence Advisory Committee and many other Values constituents. Over the course of the past year, subcommittees of the Inclusive Excellence Advisory Committee engagement with Academic Excellence – — We through embrace a culture of learning that drives the students, faculty, and staff to discover, acquire, and apply knowledge. the broader community of current students, alumni, staff, and faculty — worked to identify key areas and welcome all without distinction in the spirit of the strategies that will move St. Catherine University forward inCommunity meeting– We the needs of a diverse student body Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. and employee base recognizing the complexity of our current society and striving to openness, meet the most Integrity – We demonstrate honesty and and build trust with all that we do. urgent needs of our time. Social Justice – We create an environment of equity, fairness, and respect, and we work for systemic change so Earth and all people thrive.

These priorities focus on developing the necessary infrastructure, awareness, and expertise in crucial areas Reflection – We contemplate all life experience and examine the mystery of human purpose. of the University; developing stronger data collection, strategic planning, analysis, and reporting of key performance indicators regarding campus climate, student success, and demographics; and developing and supporting a wide range of relevant professional development and educational opportunities for campus leaders, including administrators, faculty, students, and staff, to actively strive to become an antiracist and inclusive institution over the next seven years. The plan is a dynamic living document that is meant to be flexible to meet the changing needs of the St. Catherine University community.

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The Inclusive Excellence Plan Inclusive Excellence advances the idea that diversity, equity, and inclusion are both catalysts and vital elements for achieving institutional and educational excellence within the context of and commitment to a women-centered institution. Our Inclusive Excellence commitment is integrated into the core of the institution, not viewed as individual initiatives or isolated problems to be solved. The plan is a living document which is continually shaped and reshaped as St. Catherine University engages in a reiterative and thoughtful process for striving for the next level of excellence in all that we do.

Strategic Priority Areas The Inclusive Excellence Strategic Plan proposes great strides for St. Catherine University over the next seven years. The plan sets high expectations and offers a framework and guide for St. Kate’s as it actively works to embed Inclusive Excellence throughout all University operations and fulfills aspirations for excellence. CULTURE AND CLIMATE OF INCLUSION As a Catholic institution, driven by Catholic Social Teaching, we strive to create an open and inclusive campus community that is women-centered, grounded in the liberal arts, and — above all — values the intrinsic worth of all students, faculty, and staff. A positive and inclusive climate at St. Catherine University is our collective responsibility and we each play a critical role in fostering and sustaining it. When faculty, staff, and students are engaged, feel a sense of belonging, and feel valued and respected, we maximize each individual’s potential to contribute to our goal of institutional excellence as a premier university for women’s leadership and scholarship. Goal: Develop and maintain a campus climate and culture where all community members experience a sense of belonging and well-being that is supported through academic success, respectful engagement, authentic relationships, and growth. ACCESS, EQUITY, AND SUCCESS Guided by our mission to educate women to lead and influence, and our commitment to social justice, we are called to recognize and eliminate inequities that exist. A more equitable campus means that individual and identity cohorts of students, faculty, and staff not only have access to a liberal arts education and employment opportunities, but they also have equitable access to resources to ensure academic and professional success. Goal 1: Develop and implement strategies to remove barriers and increase support to ensure students and employees have equitable access to education and employment opportunities.

Goal 2: Attract, retain, and increase promotion among historically underrepresented and underserved faculty and staff. Goal 3: Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic enrollment plan that is inclusive of all three colleges. Goal 4: Increase retention and the graduation rates for historically underrepresented students, with a particular focus on closing the college attainment and degree completion gaps. EDUCATION, LEARNING, AND DEVELOPMENT The essential mission of American higher education is to serve democracy and to actuate its values. Grounded in our mission to educate women to lead and influence, we carry out this responsibility through professional development at all levels. In order to honor our historical commitment to meeting the most urgent needs of our society and to foster women’s leadership, we must focus on curricular and pedagogical innovation as well as enhanced co-curricular offerings and professional development for students, faculty, and staff that encourage knowledge (of self and others); attitude (empathy and curiosity); and skills (empathy, verbal and nonverbal communication) around issues of Inclusive Excellence. Goal 1: Develop strategies for integrating topics of Inclusive Excellence in the general education and major discipline course content. Goal 2: Provide faculty and staff professional development opportunities to build capacity for supporting and implementing Inclusive Excellence.

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE In order to make Inclusive Excellence a reality at St. Catherine University, we must develop systemic infrastructure including ongoing assessment and measures of accountability to embed equity, diversity, and inclusion at the center of our day-to-day operations. This commitment to structural change is aligned with our steadfast dedication to women’s education, rooted in the liberal arts and Catholic Social Teaching, because it recognizes that structures of oppression are easily reproduced as a result of societal pressures to move away from our mission-centered work — which is outstanding academic excellence and relevant fields of study so that all of our graduates may achieve their life goals. Goal 1: Develop and implement an Inclusive Excellence Strategic Plan. Goal 2: Develop and implement a comprehensive, University-wide system of accountability that will assess and measure the progress of integrating Inclusive Excellence into our day-to-day operations. Goal 3: Engage all members of the St. Kate’s community to develop and leverage their professional and personal expertise to ensure the successful implementation of St. Kate’s Inclusive Excellence goals. Goal 4: Emphasize the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts by utilizing a wide range of communication strategies and tools that demonstrate support for Inclusive Excellence. Goal 5: Improve collaboration with community constituents to develop mutually beneficial initiatives regarding community development and civic engagement.

Year 1 Priorities: Strengthening the Foundation for Inclusive Excellence • Develop and roll out St. Kate’s Statement on Inclusive Excellence. • Develop, roll out, and begin implementation of Driving a Culture of Inclusive Excellence 2028 strategic plan. • Develop Inclusive Excellence metrics/performance indicators and establish baseline data. • Conduct a climate assessment during the 2020-2021 academic year to establish baseline data. • Develop Inclusive Excellence learning outcomes for the undergraduate core curriculum. • Reconstitute the President’s Inclusive Excellence Advisory Committee. • Launch the revised screening and selection process for hiring and recruitment. • Launch the Inclusive Excellence Community of Practice. • Launch the St. Kate’s ARPAC Community of Practice.

• Develop and implement a professional development needs assessment to identify Inclusive Excellence priority areas for faculty and staff. • Develop inclusive leadership indicators/competencies. • Further develop relationships with student organizations. • Collaborate with Student Affairs to develop co-curricular activities for students. • Develop and launch the first annual Inclusive Excellence progress report. • Develop and finalize a Land Acknowledgement statement.

Year 2 and 3 Priorities: Building the Infrastructure for Inclusive Excellence • Establish and implement metrics for measuring outcomes and monitoring accountability at all levels of the University. • In collaboration with Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, review the array of student support services and develop strategies to advance persistence and success of students. • Develop and implement a search committee advisor program to ensure anti-bias and an equity lens in the screening and selection process. • Develop and launch an inclusive leader development program and incorporate inclusive leader competencies into the supervisor performance review process. • Develop and include Inclusive Excellence indicators into the staff performance review process. • Work in collaboration with the faculty senate to develop and begin implementation of inclusive excellence indicators into the faculty evaluation, promotion, and tenure process. • Work in collaboration with the Senior Vice President of Enrollment Management to develop and implement a strategic enrollment management plan. • Work in collaboration with Academic Affairs to implement cultural fluency learning outcomes in the undergraduate core. • Develop and implement a climate enhancement plan based on climate assessment results. • Develop and implement a comprehensive professional development plan for faculty and staff based on the needs assessment results and evaluate the impact and outcomes of the professional development. • Work in collaboration with Marketing and Communications to develop and implement a University-wide communications plan related to Inclusive Excellence. • Launch a Land Acknowledgement statement. • Develop and provide a comprehensive update on progress made on the University’s Inclusive Excellence Plan. • Support each division/school/department to develop and implement Inclusive Excellence goals that align with and support the university goals. • Establish a cross-functional work group to ensure alignment of Inclusive Excellence efforts across the University. • Develop and begin implementing a tool and process to audit and review University systems, policies, and procedures using an inclusive lens. • Develop and support the growth of existing and new community partnerships in order to build stronger connections with diverse local communities.

Expected Outcomes Through the daily commitment of our very best effort to achieve the bold intent of this plan, we will provide an even greater transformational educational experience to our students, offer our faculty and staff an outstanding work environment, and share what we learn so that we continue to demonstrate what Inclusive Excellence leadership can mean. • The ongoing work of Inclusive Excellence is distributed, coordinated, and aligned across roles, responsibilities, and all levels of the University. • There is infrastructure in place that supports and promotes the successful implementation of Inclusive Excellence. • There is measurable evidence that Inclusive Excellence is systematically integrated into all University operations and is used to inform decision making, educational and work practices and policies. • Campus climate is measured on a regular basis, communicated, and all members of the St. Kate’s community work to continually improve it. • Students, faculty, and staff are able to equitably access all opportunities the campus has to offer, and engagement comes through positive and inclusive campus experiences that promote a sense of belonging and inclusion. • St. Catherine University is preparing all students to lead and influence in a diverse and pluralistic society. • Students are persisting in and completing their educational programs at normative rates. • Academic departments are engaged in a reiterative, rigorous, and thoughtful process for the adoption of learning outcomes and the means of assessment in response to changing student needs and best practices. • There is measurable evidence of increased cultural fluency of faculty, staff, and students. • There is measurable evidence in the increase and retention of faculty and staff from underrepresented populations. • There is a demonstrated increase in the number of BIPOC faculty achieving tenure. • The University has strengthened collaboratives with K-12 and enhanced student pipelines. • St. Kate’s is viewed as an educational destination of choice by prospective students and parents based on our mission, academic rigor, and the welcoming and inclusive environment. • St. Kate’s will be viewed as a leader in higher education for actively striving to be an anti-racist organization by continually evaluating and modifying our policies, practices, procedures, curriculum, and co-curriculum to mitigate systemic racism.

Acknowledgements This plan is made possible through the tireless efforts of members of the President’s Inclusive Excellence Advisory Board and the input of hundreds of members of the St. Catherine University community of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and members of the Board of Trustees.

Powering Lives of Meaning For more than a century, St. Catherine University has been building upon a legacy of influential and visionary women. St. Kate’s guides an inclusive community of women to learn and discern wisely, live and lead justly, and shape a better world.

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