Cultivating Connections: Inclusivity, Belonging, and Stewardship

Inclusivity and belonging are vital components of a campus that values the well-being of its students, faculty, and staff, and are critical to creating a healthy and environmentally sustainable living and learning community.

Through this plan, the College will further cultivate the conditions for mutual trust and an appreciation for the unique contributions of each individual to the lives of those around them as well as the influence we each have on the natural world of which we are a part. From this place of connection, we will advance a thriving residential program, capitalize on the full power of athletics to build collaboration and leadership, and deepen the value of the curricular and cocurricular engagement every student enjoys.

Specific goals include:

  • Create and reimagine natural and built spaces that support accessibility, environmental sustainability, and well-being
  • Engage campus as a “living laboratory” where research and programming support our commitments to sustainability through care for and study of our natural world
  • Leverage the residential living and learning experience, including the creation of distinctive residential communities, common gathering spaces, and equitable standards of living throughout the residential system, to foster inclusion, interpersonal growth, and leadership development
  • Expand student health and counseling services, prevention, and wellness programming, and ensure that all students have consistent and affordable access to basic needs
  • Structure a student success hub that brings together resources from across the campus to provide equitable access and enhanced opportunities for student learning and engagement
  • Center and celebrate the College’s Division I athletics and recreation programming as a resource for building health and well-being, competitive spirit, and excellence, and as a source of connection, joy, play, and pride in our community
  • Increase investments in an inclusive workplace environment with opportunities for healthy work/life integration and deepen institutional commitment to recruitment, retention, and development of diverse faculty and staff

Associated Action Teams

Constructive Dialogue

Focus: This group will explore how Lafayette can encourage and facilitate constructive dialogue that allows diverse perspectives and worldviews to be shared in an environment that values learning, authenticity, and mutual respect. In fostering this culture of positive public discourse, the College can lay the groundwork for a more welcoming, inclusive, and cohesive community.
Co-chairs:
Ernest Jeffries, Vice President for Inclusion
Laura Murray, Director of CITLS

Read the Action Team Report
Constructive Dialogue

Wellness and Wellbeing

Focus: This team will explore the various ways in which the College can provide structures, programming, and culture encouraging students to engage in behaviors, activities, and mindsets that support being well in all areas of their lives.
Co-chairs:
Sherryta Freeman (co-chair), Director of Athletics
Sarah Moschenross (co-chair), Vice President for Student Life

Read the Action Team Report
Wellness and well-being

The First-Year Experience and Beyond: Co-Curricular

Focus: Reimagining the student journey from matriculation through the sophomore year, including fostering community, aligning orientation programming and co-curricular experiences in ways that enable students to thrive across their full Lafayette experience.

Co-chairs:
Mark Sapara (co-chair), Associate Vice-President & Senior Advisor to the Vice President for Student Life
Sarah Yencha (co-chair), Project & Office Manager, Office of Advising and Co-Curricular Programs

Read the Action Team Report
First-Year Experience & Beyond: Co-Curricular

Residential Experience

Focus:  This team will focus on developing a comprehensive framework for shared engagement among students, faculty, staff, and administrators across the Lafayette College ecosystem by encompassing residential education, community development, individualized support, holistic wellness, and extending the “residential experience” beyond traditional housing facilities to include the locations and experiences of all Lafayette College students.

Co-chairs:
Thor Banks (co-chair), Director of Residence Life & Fraternities & Sororities
Walter Snipes (co-chair), Dean of Students

Read the Action Team Report
residential experience