Committees

Faculty, staff, and students from across campus serve on university diversity and inclusion committees. These committees enhance and support a campus culture that values diversity and inclusion.
 

Affinity and University Resource Groups (AURG)
In coordination with its Diversity and Belonging comprehensive strategy and plan, and highlighted even more by the events over the past year, it is of great importance our University continues to come together to establish safe spaces and advocate for belonging on our campuses and within larger communities. In spring 2020, BGSU launched three new Affinity and University Resources Groups, focused on expanding diversity and belonging efforts to BGSU Faculty and Staff:
 
  • Disability Faculty and Staff Affinity Group
  • LGBTQ+ Faculty and Staff Affinity Group
  • Faculty and Staff of Color Affinity Group
These groups will provide meaningful ways for faculty and staff to connect with one another, network, serve as resources for the University’s shared governance system and help move forward our strategic goals. More information on our current AURG is below:
 
Disability Affinity Group

Centering faculty/staff to support disabled peers, students, and community stakeholders within BGSU’s educational experience, the Disability Affinity University Resource Group (DAURG) provides an avenue for meaningful connection, community, and advocacy.

If you have questions or interest, please contact co-chairs Dr. Jason Whitfield or Dr. Marcia Salazar-Valentine.

LGBTQ+ Affinity Group

The LGBTQ+ Affinity Group held its first social event in spring 2020 with a virtual networking event, and gatherings have continued about 3 times per year since then. Plans are underway for spring 2024 events. This affinity group is looking to increase its membership and campus reach. If you, or someone you know is interested in getting involved, or has suggestions on belonging opportunities for the group, please e-mail co-chairs Dr. Kacee Ferrell Snyder or Dr. Jared Tuberty.

People of Color Affinity Group

Expanding on the rich history of several groups that have worked to bring People of Color together on campus, this group is working to create networking opportunities to foster connections and develop a community of care for faculty and staff from marginalized and minoritized groups and their allies.If you have questions or interest, please contact co-chairs Eileen Bosch, Dr. Luis Moreno, or Dr. Dale Klopfer.

Newly Formed Affinity Group and Future Plans

As of Fall 2023, an International Faculty and Staff Affinity Group has been requested. If you are interested in being involved with the International Faculty and Staff Affinity Group, please email diversity@bgsu.edu. 

Additional affinity groups are planned in future years. If you are interested in establishing an additional AURG, please contact diversity@bgsu.edu.

Diversity and Belonging Council

This council strives to:

  • Support the University’s inclusion and belonging goals and initiatives.
  • Assess and monitor progress toward achieving inclusion and belonging goals at all levels of the University.
  • Work to enhance the University’s goals to retain diverse students, faculty and staff.
  • Assist with the University’s goals to recruit and hire diverse faculty and staff.
  • Work with the Office of the Provost, Deans, and other campus partners to enhance and support inclusion and belonging in the curriculum.
  • Assist the Division of Diversity and Belonging with the creation, development, and assessment of strategic initiatives.
  • Support and collaborate with faculty, staff, and student University Resource Groups, better known as affinity groups.
  • Provide accountability for the University’s diversity, inclusion, and belonging goals and initiatives including College Inclusion and Belonging Action Plans.

Diversity and Belonging Council Membership

Katie Stygles, Interim Chief Diversity and Belonging Officer (Chair)

Eileen Bosch, Associate Dean, University Libraries

Ana Brown, Deputy Chief for Diversity, Belonging and Multicultural Affairs, Division of Diversity and Belonging

Seth Campbell, Coordinator of Student Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion, Firelands

Peggy Dennis, Director, Accessibility Services, Division of Health and Wellness

Lakeshia Dowlen, Director, Title IX, Division of Community Well-Being

Dr. Lisa Dubose, Director of Employee Relations and Professional Development, Human Resources

Sidra Lawrence, Associate Professor of Ethnomusicology, College of Musical Arts

Dr. Luis Moreno, Associate Teaching Professor, Ethnic Studies, College of Arts and Sciences

Dr. Deborah O'Neil, Professor of Organizational Behavior; Director, Master of Organizational Development Program, College of Business

Colleen Rerucha, Senior Director of Executive Communications and University Spokesperson, Office of the President

Dr. Marcia Salazar-Valentine, Executive Director, International Programs & Partnerships

Troy Spikes, Associate Director, Logistics, Campus Operations

DeVona Smith, Coordinator for Student Engagement and Programming, Thompson Scholarship Programs

Dr. Kacee Snyder, Director, Center for Women and Gender Equity; Co-Director, Center for Violence Prevention and Education, Division of Diversity and Belonging

Michelle Sprouse, Assistant Teaching Professor, Honors College

Jared Tuberty, Assistant Dean, College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering 

Dr. Jessica Turos, Associate Director, Office of Academic Assessment, Institutional Effectiveness

Alyssa Fisher, Administrative Assistant, C. Raymond Marvin Center for Student Leadership and Civic Engagement, Division of Student Engagement and Success

Dr. Dale Klopfer, Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences

Emily Gerome, Undergraduate Student Representative

David Fisher, Graduate Student Representative

Dr. Maureen Wilson, Associate Dean, College of Education and Human Development

Dr. Mary-Jon Ludy, Associate Dean, Graduate College

Dr. Jason Whitfield, Associate Professor, Communication Sciences & Disorders; Diversity and Inclusion Faculty Facilitator, College of Health & Human Services

The Dean’s Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion

Three formal Dean’s Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusions (DACODI) exist at BGSU within the Schmidthorst College of Business, the University Libraries, and Firelands College. Additionally, the College of Arts and Sciences Diversity and Inclusion Committee functions as a DACODI. Although the individual structures and charges are specific to each college, DACODI functions as a committee tasked with infusing inclusion into the work of the college.

Not In Our Town (NIOT)

BGSU and the City of Bowling Green have been active in supporting diversity and encouraging people to stop hate and build a safe and inclusive community through the collaboration of the award-winning "Not in Our Town" campaign (NIOT). The NIOT campaign began in April 2013 because of students bringing their concerns about diversity and inclusion to the BGSU administration. These concerns brought about a collaboration between BGSU and the city to develop protocols for handling incidents related to diversity, violence, and safety (Kuebeck, 2015).

Beyond the Dream

The Beyond the Dream Committee leads a series of speakers, events, and programs that embody the words of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This annual series takes place throughout the spring semester. Previous events have included Dr. Cornel West, Opal Tometi, Shaun King, and Tarana Burke.

Updated: 04/09/2024 09:50AM