Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Our Core Values

  • Recognize our power, privilege, and responsibility to be intentional in our language and decision making
  • Recognize that diversity, social change, and equity must be addressed at multiple, interconnected levels
  • Lead with an open mind and open heart
  • Advance diversity and inclusion across the institution
  • Collaboration and community building
  • Empowerment and ethical leadership
  • Social justice and inclusion
  • Student success and transformative education
Students in the John Wilson Lounge

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion aims to cultivate and sustain a campus climate that is inclusive, student-centered, pluralistic, and safe. In short: we want to help make the campus as inclusive as possible. And, we need students like you in order to achieve that.

What We Do

If you’re interested in social justice, consider getting involved. Our office initiatives, implements, and supports comprehensive educational, cultural and social programming, as well as critical service learning opportunities and advocacy. We seek to empower and support students while focusing on enhancing the retention and persistence of the students involved.

Why We Do It

We do this in hopes of fostering inclusiveness, understanding, and appreciation across multiple dimensions of diversity while also promoting academic achievement, cross-cultural competence, intergroup dialogue, leadership development, and social justice education among all members of the Springfield College community.

Through collaboration with offices on campus, as well as the local community, our office provides support for historically underrepresented and marginalized students on campus. This serves students of color, LGTBQ+, women, first-generation college students, immigrants, refugees, students of varying religions, and students of varying socioeconomic status. We offer opportunities for students to challenge bias, explore identity development and intersectionality, and expand their knowledge and appreciation of all facets that contribute to intentional and transformative learning.

Funding opportunities

The Office of the Vice President for Inclusion and Community Engagement, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and the Black Student Union have collaborated to launch a Multicultural Fund which can be used for campus diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across campus. Learn more and apply.

Meet Our Staff

StaffGraduate Assistants
Deja Ware
Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
(413) 748-3289
dware@springfield.edu
Grayson Stevens
gstevens@springfield.edu
Arlene Ramos-Ortiz
Student Success Coach
(413) 748-3945
aramos-ortiz@springfield.edu
Rhea Bhatia
rbhatia@springfield.edu
Rose Del Valle
Administrative Associate
(413) 748-3249
rdellvalle@springfield.edu
 

Cultural Connections Leadership Program

As a first-year student, you’ll have an opportunity to be part of our three-day pre-orientation event that will connect you with upperclass student leaders who can help with your transition to college. They’ll connect you with resources that can make your cultural, social, and educational experience at Springfield College even better.

Students hanging out in the John M. Wilson

Cultural Connections Coordinators

Elaine Ortiz
Brianna D'Haiti

Cultural Connections Leaders

Nathalie Beltran
Ilana Bourke
Mikaili Charlemagne
Cynthia Duran
Rachael Prosper

 

Students at Unity Fest
SEMESTER HAPPENINGS
Promoting unity

Each year, we spend time at the Unity Fest, which brings students together from the western Massachusetts area.

Springfield College Office of Multicultural Affairs students supported National Spirit Day
SEMESTER HAPPENINGS
Showing solidarity and support

Our office recognized National Spirit Day on Oct. 20, a day that supports LGBTQ youth who are being bullied and domestic violence awareness.

Students at the Dr. Seuss museum in Springfield
Semester happenings
Sightseeing in Springfield

Want to explore the city of Springfield? Through our office, students get to take trips to local attractions, including the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden. 

All Gender Restroom Locations on Campus

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessible

  • Administration Building
    • First floor
  • Athletic Training/Exercise Science Facility
    • First floor
  • Alumni Relations House
    • First floor
  • Blake
    • Second Floor
  • Brennan Center
    • First Floor, near kitchen
  • Counseling Center (located in the Towne Health Center)
    • First floor
  • Flynn Campus Union
    • First floor
  • Harold C. Smith Learning Commons
    • First, second, third, and fourth floors
  • Health Sciences Center
    • Basement and first floor
  • Lakeside Hall
    • Third floor
  • Marsh Memorial
    • Garden Level
  • Massasoit Hall
    • Basement, first, second, and third floors
  • Reed Hall
    • First floor
  • Stitzer Welcome Center at Judd Gymnasia (Admissions)
    • First floor

Non-ADA Accessible

  • Abbey-Appleton Hall
    • Basement
  • Administration Building
    • Basement
  • Child Development Center
    • First floor
  • Counseling Center (located in the Towne Health Center)
    • First floor
  • Facilities Management
    • First floor
  • Gulick Hall
    • 1B
  • Harold C. Smith Learning Commons
    • First, second, third, and fourth floors
  • Health Center (located in the Towne Health Center)
    • First floor
  • Health Sciences Center
    • First floor
  • Hickory Hall
    • Second floor
  • P.E. Complex
    • Second floor
  • Schoo Bemis Science Center
    • Basement and first floor
  • Weiser Hall
    • Basement
    • First floor
    • Third floor