Diversity Requirements for Undergraduate Students
All UVM undergraduate students must successfully complete two requirements prior to graduation: 1) a 3-credit course from Diversity Category One (D1) (Race and Racism in the U.S.); and, 2) a second 3-credit course from either Diversity Category One (D1) or Diversity Category Two (D2) (the Diversity of Human Experience). UVM's diversity requirement provides undergraduate students with the awareness, knowledge, and skills necessary to function productively in a complex global society, by fostering understanding and respect for differences among individuals and groups of people.
Climate Surveys
The University of Vermont engaged all community members in a campus climate survey in both 2011 and 2019. The data are used to drive cultural change by allowing the university to identify areas for improvement and to monitor progress. All units are asked to use these data to inform their Inclusive Excellence Action Plans. The university expects to implement a climate survey at regular intervals.
Bias Training
Training of senior leaders (e.g., President, Provost, Vice Presidents, Deans) occurs each semester to address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion including systemic racism and bias. Sodexo staff, including all cashiers, supervisors, and front-of-house staff go through our LGBTQ training and understanding the “T” in LGTBQ and the use of pronouns. This past year Sodexo began a series on Bias and Fostering Inclusion Across Difference which includes training on Micro Messages and Empathy and Understanding. Bias training is conducted every year for the police. The UVM Campus Police have a policy on Bias-Free Policing. UVM also has a Bias Response Program, which addresses incidents of bias targeting UVM students, faculty, and staff. The program educates the campus community about bias, and institutional policies, protocols, and resources related to bias.
Blackboard Jungle
The Blackboard Jungle Symposium (BBJ) is designed for UVM faculty, staff, and all others wanting to participate in critical conversations, construct new and promising inclusive practices, and foster conversational spaces where diversity, equity, and the free exchange of ideas are welcomed, appreciated, and valued. BBJ is a collaborative opportunity to engage in an open, civil exchange of ideas, perspectives, and beliefs that will cultivate greater inclusivity of diverse populations and increase cultural understanding within communities.
MLK Education, Learning and Celebration
This is a commemorative program that honors and preserves the life and legacy of Dr. King. The University community gathers annually for a series of programs that affirms its commitment to peace and racial justice to which Dr. King dedicated his life. This includes a keynote speaker, performances at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, educational forums, lectures and community service.
Teach-Ins/Beyond Brave Spaces Programs
UVM is a community dedicated to the transformational power of education with a collective responsibility to help make the world a better place. Together, we seek justice through action; but first, we work to lay the foundation for making change through a series of educational sessions designed to explore, examine and eradicate racism as well as inform action. These include the Amazing Grace and Teach in series and the Beyond Brave Spaces series.
Center for Cultural Pluralism
The Center for Cultural Pluralism (CCP) opened in 1999 and serves as a hub to build awareness, knowledge, and skills on the intersections of our multiple identities. The CCP works to bring the UVM community together through conversations, roundtables, speakers and workshops. Utilizing these tools, the CCP fosters inclusion, equity and empowerment by providing the highest quality of education to all.
UVM and Flynn Partnership
The Office of the Vice President for Human Resources, Diversity and Multicultural Affairs has partnered with the Flynn, through the UVM President's Initiative for Diversity, to offer low-cost tickets to the UVM community for select performances. The shows in this series feature artists of color as well as themes that focus on diversity, plurality, and inclusivity.