Group of BIPOC Manhattanville students smiling

The Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Mission Statement:

The Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is committed to embedding practices of inclusive excellence throughout our institution.  We work to support, sustain, and advance an inclusive and equitable culture where diversity in all its forms is celebrated and thrives through the collective effort of our community.  We pledge to uphold this commitment by:

  • Centering and equipping members of historically underserved and excluded communities with tools to navigate university life and through the expansion of opportunities and engagement.
  • Providing education, resources, and support to the community in addressing and dismantling barriers hindering the pursuit of excellence.
  • Taking a proactive role in increasing awareness of discrimination in all its forms, sexual violence, global dialogues on oppression, violence, and justice.

Through education, engagement, and advocacy, Manhattanville aspires to become a thought leader in creating inclusive, transformative experiences and equitable opportunities in higher education.

 

Messages to the Community

Health and Wellbeing During Crisis 

Inclusive Excellence

Access and Success

The composition and retention of historically underrepresented students, faculty, and staff.

Education and Scholarship

The acquisition of knowledge about diverse groups and cultures; an enhanced sense of ethnic, racial, and cultural identity. 

Climate and Interpersonal Relationships

The development of psychological and behavioral climate supportive of all members of the community. 

Community Engagement

Providing opportunities for individuals to participate in meaningful ways by reducing barriers and creating connections.

Infrastructure and Investment

Policies, resources, structures, and/or performance measures that inform and enable an intentionally inclusive, equitable, and innovative organization.

 

 

Manhattanville community members at HSI conference

Hispanic Serving Institution

 
Reid Castle view from quad

Member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities

 

 

First Generation students and alumns speaking at panel

 

 

By the Numbers

Students of Color

44 %

Hispanic/Latino students 

28%

First Generation 

38%

States and Territories Represented 

20+

Countries represented

30+

A Community Sustained by Equity 

 

A “Bias Incident” is defined as an oral, written or visual use of degrading language or stereotypes, insults which, intentionally or not, communicate hostile or derogatory messages to persons based solely on their perceived identity including but not limited to age, race, creed, color, religion, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, ethnicity, sexual orientation, military status, sex, gender, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, criminal conviction, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, gender identity, or transgender identity. 

Anyone who has experienced or witnessed a Bias Incident is encouraged to complete a BERT report. Once an Incident is reported, a member of the Campus Bias Education Team will review the report and reach out to the complainant within 72 business hours.  

To file a bias incident report, please click here 


Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972 protects people from discrimination based on gender in education programs or activities which receive Federal financial assistance. Athletic programs are not the only academic realm governed by Title IX. Title IX applies to all departments, programs and activities, on and off campus, available to students at Manhattanville University in addition to employment. Manhattanville University prohibits and will not tolerate sexual harassment, sexual violence, domestic violence, stalking and dating violence upon any member of the community.

 


Established in 2020, the President Council on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion works to build and sustain diversity, equity, and inclusion across the campus so that all members of the community realize the educational benefits. The Council is charged with:

  • Assessing campus climate in partnership with the Institutional Effectiveness Office  
  • Recommending metrics and benchmarks to fully embody inclusive excellence.  
  • Identifying policies or organizational actions which impede equity and inclusivity; recommend changes.  
  • Supporting strategic initiatives that foster a climate of diversity, equity, and inclusion.  
  • Reviewing and highlighting best practices and insights on DEI across campus  
  • Identifying DEI champions for recognition.  

A Community that Fosters Inclusion and Belonging  

We believe that building a strong community requires a commitment to inclusion and diversity. A strong community is one in which all members feel valued, respected, and supported. Through our inclusion initiatives we work towards fostering a sense of belonging for all members of our Valiant family. 
fans cheering

Mville First is a college success program for first-generation students. Eligible students are those where neither parent/guardian has received a degree from a four-year college or university. The program welcomes new students and their families to the Manhattanville community and supports students’ adjustments to their first year of college life.  
Students on campus

Program participants have an interest in being an active member our campus community.  They will embrace diversity, take advantage of community service and experiential learning opportunities, and will be dedicated to achieving academic success with the support of academic, personal, and career counseling services.
Center for Inclusion

The Center for Inclusion (CFI) at Manhattanville University is dedicated to promoting equity and inclusion throughout the campus community. Our center provides resources, education, and programming to support individuals from diverse backgrounds and foster a welcoming environment for all.  
Student at Peace Vigil 2023

Manhattanville offers students of different faiths and those looking for meaning in their lives a supportive and caring community. Our campus chaplains are committed to welcoming students of all genders and sexual identities, of all secular and religious traditions, and from all cultural backgrounds.  They offer individual spiritual counseling, interfaith activities, celebratory activities, educational programming, and religious observances.   
New international students introducing themselves

Students from across the globe come to Manhattanville to get a first-rate liberal arts education within easy reach of New York City. Here, students can expect a welcoming community, tailored programs and activities to support their needs and interest and information to remain in compliance with federal and institutional requirements. 

Disabled alumna receiving volunteer award

Nominations are now open to recognize members of the Manhattanville community who have given their time and effort towards advancing Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Manhattanville. Recipients will be selected by the President's Council on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and awards presented at the Campus Awards Ceremony each April. Applications close February 26, 2024. Self nominations are not accepted.

Nominate a Deserving Community Member

 

 

DEI Events

May
15

DEI Symposium

All Day
Manhattanville University

Contact Us

  • Cindy Long Porter, EdD, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Community Building

    Reid Castle