The Senate Diversity Committee

The Senate Diversity Committee is a standing policy committee of the Rowan University Senate. Dr. Rachel Shapiro has served on the committee since 2016, and this year she is serving as chair, following a beloved line of past chairs including Julie Mallory, Jeanne Lewis, and JT Mills. 

The Senate Diversity Committee mission is attend to issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice as they pertain to members of the university community. In the past five years, they’ve done this important work through resolutions, hosting panels and guests speakers, events, and awards. 

Nominate Excellent Students and Colleagues!

Established in 2014, Rowan’s Excellence in Diversity Awards celebrate outstanding contributions by students, faculty, and professional staff who address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in creative ways.

This year, the Diversity Senate will recognize students in the following areas: 

  • Excellence in Diversity Award for Scholarship 
  • Excellence in Diversity for Social Activism 
  • Excellence in Diversity for Performance (may be an individual or group) 

The Diversity Senate will recognize members of the faculty and staff in the following areas: 

  • Excellence in Diversity for Scholarship 
  • Excellence in Diversity for Social Activism
  • Excellence and Diversity for a Group Project 

New this year, the Diversity Senate will honor a student, faculty member, staff member, or group for Excellence in the Study or Practice of Medicine. 

Nominations are due February 15th, 2021 and can be submitted to Rachael Shapiro,

Please provide a detailed description of your nominees’ efforts and/or accomplishments for promoting diversity and inclusion, making sure to address the impact of these efforts for the Rowan community and beyond. Self-nominations are also welcome.

Contact Information:

Rachael Shapiro
Writing Arts
Assistant Professor
shapiror@rowan.edu

Resolutions include:

  • Resolution to recommend the adoption of Diversity and Inclusion across all disciplines and Rowan University Departments
  • Resolution to Observe Indigenous People’s Day at Rowan University
  • Resolution on Gender Inclusive Bathrooms Policy
  • Resolution to Recommend the Expansion of Lactation Stations across the Main Campus of Rowan University

Panels and guests of the Diversity Senate:

  • Michael Kantner discussed student and campus issues surrounding policing (the October 1st stop of a Rowan student on our campus by Glassboro Police Department). 
  • Mike Kantner, Assistant VP of Public Safety and Emergency Management, Reed Layton; and Nyssa Taylor, Title IX Coordinator, addressed topics of  Timely Warning and Immediate Notification Language/ Policy; Clery Act and Title IX.
  • ‘Voices of International Students’ Panel addressed the experiences, observations and concerns of international students on campus.
  • Committee activity leader Dr. Jocelyn Mitchell-Williams discussed the diversity initiatives at the Cooper Medical School. 
  •  Dr. William Freind discussed the proposed Search Advocates that would include faculty and staff.

  Events included: 

  •  Open Minds and Shared Voices Forum. A discussion session to elicit thought-provoking and insightful, civil discussions, in the spirit of “we can agree to disagree”, regarding the 2016 post presidential election results.
  • Spring 2017  ‘Minding the Gap’: A Mini-Conference Sessions explored and addressed issues related to the 2010 Gap Report of the Educational Trust Fund and the divide that exist at Rowan related to student retention and graduation rates between African American and White students.