Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity

AmeriCorps Campus Compact Program

Students passionate about social justice and civic action can join the Diversity and International Student Success Ambassadors program. Through Mount Mercy University’s partnership with AmeriCorps’ Campus Compact program, students will become social justice advocates and gain practical experience for future advocacy work.

Students will receive the following benefits: 

•          In-depth social justice advocacy training 
•          Community engagement research practice 
•          Collaboration opportunities with local non-profits 
•          Experience in program development and capacity building 
•          Education award from AmeriCorps upon successful program completion

Bias Policy

We are committed to ensuring that our campus community is a safe place where all students thrive. Therefore our policy is to robustly safeguard our mission, values and statement of inclusion throughout our campus which includes our faculty, staff, student body and invited guest. There is zero tolerance for any acts of aggression, discrimination, name-calling or prejudice; particularly against any person that is a member of any group that has systematically experienced violence or exclusion due to social and policy inequities. 

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Gender & Sexuality Alliance

The Faculty-Staff Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) works with Mount Mercy’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee to support LGBTQ+ campus members, especially students, and to help the campus welcome and learn about LGBTQ+ culture.

JEDI Room

The new JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity) Room was completed just in time for students returning to campus in August 2022.

Located on the first floor of the Sisters of Mercy University Center, the room includes a community wall, work stations, and a panel commemorating the Sister Cora Marie Billings Diversity Endowment.

The endowment—a student-led project funded by Mount Mercy’s Student Government Association—will support various programs on campus that foster community involvement and unity.

Underscoring our commitment to social justice and inclusivity, the JEDI Room is intended to be a gathering spot for students, especially from underrepresented populations. 

Student Organizations

At Mount Mercy University, we ensure to give visibility to student organizations:

• Department of DEI | Instagram: @mmu_dei
  • The Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity (DEI) is committed to creating and sustaining a safe and welcoming environment for all at MMU.
• Black Student Union (BSU) | Instagram: @mount_mercy_bsu
  • Black Student Union (BSU) is a student-led organization focused on creating and sustaining a sense of community for historically underrepresented populations of students. The main goal of BSU is to advocate for a more inclusive experience for all students and to have fun while doing it.
• Alliance | Instagram: @mmu_alliance
  • Alliance is a safe space here at MMU for anyone who identifies as LGBTQ+ or is an ally of the LGBTQ+ community. We welcome anyone in our club and want to spread acceptance and equality. 
• SOMOS MMU 
  • SOMOS MMU (We Are MMU) seeks to promote and enhance the understanding and appreciation of Latin American cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. We welcome all students to learn, teach, and appreciate the Latin American world and the Spanish language.
• International Club
  • The International Club facilitates fun and educational programming to encourage a globally conscious campus. We welcome everyone and look for opportunities to meet students from all over the world.
• Gen 1 | Instagram: @gen1_mmu
  • Gen 1 is a student-led organization that is focused on helping first-generation students to succeed on campus. We hope to bring awareness to the unique challenges and strengths first-generation students experience.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee

The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee promotes the university’s collective efforts to:

• Grow in diversity as a community by actively recruiting student populations that are underrepresented in our population.
• Create productive, meaningful encounters with different perspectives in a welcoming multicultural environment.
• Ensure the success and safety of individuals with marginalized identities, varying economic status, and abilities.
• Develop programs, services, and initiatives that help educate, support, and engage the campus in social justice and equity.
  
  

Committee Members

	Charles Martin-Stanley II Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity
	Lacey Ritter Assistant Professor of Sociology
	LeeAnn Olson Human Resources Officer
	Sabrina Tapps Fee Director of Undergraduate Admissions
	Gabriel Hernandez Acosta Assistant Director of Enrollment Operations and Slate Captain
	Joe Hendrix Director of Career Services
	Rebecca Louison Assistant Professor of Psychology
	Samanta Schwartz Access Services Librarian
	Armando Bryson Student Engagement & Event Services Coordinator
	Nasharia Patterson AmeriCorps DEI Change Maker
	Tiara Muñoz Graduate Assistant
	Nathalie Primbs Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity (J.E.D.I.) Student Assistant