MAHWAH, N.J. – Fostering inclusive learning environments will be the priority as Ramapo College embarks on new initiatives at the start of its new academic year. The State awarded Ramapo $283,000 through its new Opportunity Meets Innovation Challenge (OMIC), a grant program aimed at bolstering the long-term resiliency of colleges and universities, especially those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to a press release by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Secretary of Higher Education Brian Bridges, institutions who receive funding will “implement vetted best practices that increase college completion, address barriers to student success, and develop sustainable systemic reforms.”
The funding awarded to Ramapo is earmarked for initiatives that support the priorities of the State Plan for Higher Education and advance the College’s efforts to grow and sustain a diverse and inclusive community. “This grant program was thoughtfully launched by the state to help address the challenges confronting many of our traditionally underrepresented and first generation students,” said Ramapo College President Cindy Jebb. “With this funding, Ramapo College is positioned to cultivate an increasingly inclusive learning environment that, founded on empathy, provides our students with supports and services that take into account their unique and varied lived experiences.”
The grant funds will support the public College’s establishment of a multicultural center, expansion of counseling supports, and enhancements to trainings, programs, and resources designed to foster an inclusive learning environment. Ramapo’s Chief Equity and Diversity Officer, Nicole Morgan Agard, shared, “I am excited about the additional programs and initiatives that will be implemented with the funds from the OMIC grant. I am proud of the College’s commitment to diversity and inclusion on campus and for continuing to acknowledge and embrace all individuals for their unique contributions and perspectives.”
Ramapo’s awarded initiatives include the following:
Establishment of a Multicultural Center
The College will establish a multicultural center on its campus. The newly established Multicultural Center Committee, comprised of students, faculty, staff, and representatives from the College’s Roukema Center for International Education and the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Compliance, will work in tandem with student clubs and organizations to create and facilitate multicultural programming. Funding from the grant will be used to attract guest presenters and performers, and to support related student activities.
Expand Counseling Supports
The College will employ an additional mental health professional staff member, whose energies will focus on supporting first-generation and underrepresented minority students. In addition, Ramapo’s Counseling Center staff will undergo training related to counseling and supports for transgender students.
Celebrate Traditionally Underrepresented Students
Through inclusive campaigns, the College’s marketing team will celebrate underrepresented minority, LGBTQ+, and first-generation students, as well as promote the programs and initiatives implemented by the College to support these students. Similar efforts will be advanced to create customized, relevant, and targeted virtual orientation content for student groups including those enrolled in Ramapo’s 3+1 academic program options at several New Jersey community colleges.
Enhance Training
Enhancements to the College’s diversity and cultural competence training will be advanced for all first-year students.
Facilitate Inclusive Reporting
The College will upgrade its information records system to include non-binary gender options. The upgrade will allow Ramapo to convert all current records and to build new records to reflect different personal options, as needed.