1 of 13

Diversity, Equity, �and Inclusion

​

​

2 of 13

  • Our Mandate
  • Our Philosophy on Diversity
  • Celebrating our Achievements
  • Education & Training
  • Relationship Building
  • Communication
  • Lessons Learned
  • Upcoming Plans & Activities
  • Transparency & Reporting
  • Next Steps
  • Discussion & Brainstorming

​

​

2

​

​

Agenda

3 of 13

In alignment with the directives set forth by the Board of Trustees, and in unwavering commitment to the realization of our Vision 2028 and our overarching goals of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

​

We are engaged in cultivating an inclusive and vibrant community that embraces diversity, fostering a rich tapestry of mentors/mirrors.

3

​

​

Our Mandate

4 of 13

  • Diversity is a positive aspect of our lives and is an essential element of an Interlochen education. �
  • Interlochen strives to cultivate a community where students bring their whole selves. �
  • Our community at Interlochen is unique and diverse. Diversity exists in the languages we speak, the colors of our skin, the religions we follow, the traditions we observe, the structures of our families, the financial and educational resources in our lives, and the special needs we may have.

​

  • We affirm that each individual has a distinct character, and endeavor to help students appreciate and share their own identities while exploring the traditions of others.

​

​

​

4

​

​

Our Philosophy on Diversity

5 of 13

  • Partnered with IT to create an Anti-Bias Reporting system.
  • Fostered community relationships to support students' religious needs.
  • Developed and expanded community relationships to support the needs of our BIPOC employees.
  • Collaborated with the library to create the DEIB Resource page. (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging)
  • Supported the formation of a student group for Disability+ (students with disabilities).
  • Established Affinity groups for both adults and students.
  • Partnered with the Sustainability committee.
  • Established a Community Engagement committee.
  • Hosted an Art and Culture Festival, bringing 11 diverse guest artists to campus

5

​

​

Achievements

Recent Events Hosted�

  • Pride
  • Juneteenth
  • Yom Kippur
  • Sukkot
  • Rosh Hashanah
  • Passover
  • Day of the Dead
  • BSU and ISU end of year event
  • Accessibility series with Presents
  • MLK Jr. Day
  • Black History Month
  • Women’s History Month Community Meeting
  • Purim
  • NAIS POCC Conference with students

​

6 of 13

Academy Student Education

  • Calling In Student Training
  • 1:1 education
  • Mediation

​

Faculty & Staff Education

  • Implicit Bias Training
  • Education Division trainings as needed on accessibility, and other topics
  • Student Life / Residence Life Training
  • International Manager Training
  • Building an inclusive team

​

​

6

​

​

Education & Training

Community Education

  • Central United Methodist
  • TAHAR
  • Traverse Connect Young Leaders
  • The Children’s House
  • Father Fred Foundation

​

We have established an Education and Training schedule for both students and adults, and we have also initiated outreach efforts to our local Community.

7 of 13

We are creating community relationships to support our students.

​

Recent outreach to Community Organizations include:�

  • Beth Shalom
  • Chabad of Traverse City
  • Advocates and Leaders for Police and Community Trust (ALPACT)
  • Northern Michigan Diversity Resource Group
  • Grand Traverse Band Council
  • Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC)

​

​

7

​

​

Relationship Building

8 of 13

Encouraging clear and concise communications and resources for our community.

​

Recent improvements include:

  • DEI website updates
  • Reporting dashboard
  • Cultivating Community Provost News and HR newsletters
  • DEIB Resource page
  • Conference opportunities

​

​

8

​

​

Communication

9 of 13

9

​

​

Lessons Learned

After carefully considering our observations and receiving feedback from stakeholders, we have taken the following steps to implement new initiatives and improvements:

  • Student Clubs: Revised rules and guidelines for club advisors.�
  • Integration of all Student activities: Pre-publishing a comprehensive list of activities, including cultural events and recreational activities.�
  • Improved communication with leaders of affinity groups.�
  • Improved process for reporting a concern.
  • Open sessions with Camille and Trey twice per semester - for all students. �
  • Reducing the number of 1-year seniors, who may have difficulty integrating into our community.
  • Increased engagement through residence hall meetings and town halls.

​

​

10 of 13

Education Programs: Continuing and Expanding

  • All new hires Implicit Bias training
  • Student trainings
  • Opening weekend parent workshop and meetings
  • Continued community engagement

​

Campus Activities

  • Cultural and inclusive events throughout the year
  • HR partnership to support affinity group activities
  • Stakeholder partnerships to bring diverse guest artists to campus
  • Community engagement activities for our BIPOC and Queer adult community through affinity groups
  • Expansion of DEI Student Voice Team

​

​

​

​

​

10

​

​

Upcoming Plans & Activities

11 of 13

11

​

​

Transparency and Reporting

Importance of transparency �and reporting:�

  • Accountability
  • Building Trust
  • Identify Gaps and Areas for Improvement
  • Evaluate Progress
  • Knowledge Sharing

Tools for enhancing �transparency:

​

  • Anti-Bias Reporting system and dashboard
  • Campcares@interlochen.org - for camp issues

12 of 13

Determining 5-Year Strategic Plan

​

  • Assessing work to date
  • Exploring best practices
  • Determining next steps

​

​

12

​

​

Next Steps

13 of 13

Thank You

​

​