RIT Resources for New Faculty
Diversity & Inclusion at RIT
Vice President for Diversity & Inclusion, Kevin McDonald
The Vice President for Diversity & Inclusion has the responsibility for guiding efforts to conceptualize, define, assess, nurture, and cultivate diversity as an institutional and educational priority. As RIT's Title IX Coordinator, he is responsible for monitoring the overall implementation of Title IX for the university and coordinating compliance with Title IX in all areas covered by the implementing regulations. For more information about the Vice President for Diversity & Inclusion please contact the Office for Diversity & Inclusion at 475-6795 or visit our website at www.rit.edu/diversity.
Office for Diversity & Inclusion
Human diversity is essential to organizational growth and synergy. These differences create points of tension that spark alternative viewpoints and ideas and ignite the kindling forces behind creativity and innovation. To that end, the mission of the Office for Diversity and Inclusion is to foster living, learning, and working environments that support and incorporate principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and community.
The Office for Diversity and Inclusion serves as a vital resource for the development and strategic implementation of campus-wide initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive excellence to students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Our mission is to foster living, learning, and working environments that support and incorporate principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and community.
As an administrative support system to the Vice President for Diversity & Inclusion, the Office oversees the daily operations and logistics of the organization as well as the budgetary needs for various programs. In addition, the Office is committed to the development of diversity education and monitors the areas that target diverse populations across the university.
Programs and offices under the Vice President for Diversity & Inclusion are:
- Office for Diversity & Inclusion (ODI)
- Future Stewards Program (FSP)
- McNair Scholars Program
- Multicultural Center for Academic Success (MCAS)
Future Stewards Program
The Future Stewards Program was established to increase the success rate and number of Native scholars (Native American, Alaska Native, and First Nations) in science, technology, engineering, and math disciplines, along with other areas of need in Indian country. The program partners with students and Tribal nations, organizations, and corporations to create opportunities for Native scholars to develop professionally, personally, and culturally. The program is dedicated to helping Native scholars succeed by recruiting, retaining, and returning scholars to the Tribal community upon graduation. We partner with students, Tribal nations, organizations and corporations to create opportunities for Native scholars to develop professionally, personally and culturally. We are dedicated to helping Native scholars succeed; our mission is to:
- Recruit Native scholars to RIT, easing their transition to a campus environment
- Retain Native scholars at RIT, ensuring their academic, social and professional success
- Return Native scholars to the Tribal community when they graduate
- Help Native students find paid co-op/internship opportunities with Tribal agencies
McNair Scholars Program
The Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program serves a diverse group of talented second and third-year students who are interested in pursuing post- baccalaureate education. The program provides enriching scholastic experience that prepares eligible scholars for graduate education, with an emphasis on doctoral studies. This preparation includes research experience, the presentation of research at local and regional symposiums, and graduate school seminars and workshops.
For more information about the McNair Scholars Program contact the office at 475-7611 or visit our website at http://www.rit.edu/president/mcnair/index.php. Office hours are between 8:30-4:30pm.
Multicultural Center for Academic Success (MCAS)
The Multicultural Center for Academic Success (MCAS) is committed to maximizing the academic potential and holistic development of students by creating an inclusive, student-centered environment. By keeping academics first and foremost, MCAS strives to become a nationally recognized model for academic excellence and student success.
There are numerous ways for students to participate and engage with MCAS including personal advising, leadership development opportunities, cultural diversity education, and cultural programming. Specifically, students can participate in the:
- MCAS Legacy Scholars Program - A highly selective program uniquely designed for high-achieving students to enhance the RIT experience through developing intellectual and ethical leadership skills, fostering a passion for educational excellence, and a commitment to the learning process.
- Rochester City Scholars Program- A program designed for high achieving Rochester City students, who are selected based on their academic achievements, leadership potential , and desire to make a difference in the RIT and surrounding community
- MCAS Excel Program- A program designed for students falling outside of the Scholars program, but desire to participate in a high touch intentional advising and leadership development program.
- MCAS Summer Bridge Program- An intensive four-week summer program that consists of credit-bearing courses, community-building, exposure to research, and community service programs.
| Contact Person: | Sandra Whitmore |
| Telephone: | (585) 475-5453 |
| Email: | swwpro@rit.edu |
| Website: | www.rit.edu/diversity |