Hanover College Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

The students, faculty, staff, and trustees of Hanover College are committed to providing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus so that all feel welcome to seek academic, personal, and moral growth within a community that is safe, challenging, and responsive. We embrace diversity in recruiting and retaining students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds regardless of age, race, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, national origin, marital status, political viewpoint, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status. We recognize that our definition of diversity must be inclusive, porous in its boundaries and ever evolving, changing as our campus, our society, and our vision of the world changes. It must also create a safe space for the discussion and debate of well-reasoned, thoughtful, and constructive ideas of all kinds. We strive to practice respect, compassion, and understanding for one another, so that all may participate in the open and free exchange of ideas necessary for a meaningful education and a successful democracy. 

Advisors play a vital role in nurturing a diverse and inclusive community.   These observations and questions should be revisited regularly as a means of fostering self-reflection:

• Our own cultural values and beliefs influence your attitudes and behaviors.  Fostering critical self-awareness can improve your reactions, decision-making, and interactions.
  • What is your own cultural background?
  • What are your unconscious biases and cultural privileges?  
  • What adversities have you faced and how have they impacted you?
• Students appreciate being seen as unique individuals, not as a representative of a particular culture or country.
  • Do you treat all students equitably and with respect--no matter their age, race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or religious preference?
  • When have you found yourself stereotyping?  How can you avoid stereotyping in the future? 
  • Can you remember that cultural identity can be important to many students, while also treating each student as a unique individual and not making assumptions about how they identify?
• Deep and careful listening will reduce misunderstandings and help you co-create creative strategies.
  • Do you meet students where they are and allow them to tell their own stories?
  • Do you paraphrase what they are saying in order to verify your interpretation?
  • Do you give each advisee the same time and consideration?
  • Do you consider their responsibilities outside the classroom and how these can affect their priorities?
• Advisees' own cultural values and beliefs might influence their attitudes and behaviors.
  • How can you practice being nonjudgmental?
  • Are you considering cultural factors when interacting with students?
  • Can you find ways to respect students' value systems and circumstances as you help them to understand Hanover's learning community and values?
• Proactive advisors can positively impact student retention and success.
  • Do you know what resources are available to help students across campus departments? 
  • Do you provide the names and contact information when recommending support services? Even better, can you take the time to make introductions, either by phone, video, or even by walking them to other offices on campus?
  • Are you open to learning from your diverse students and, with permission, drawing from their experiences to advocate for changes in the system?
• Your language and surroundings will impact credibility and trust.
  • Do you greet students by name, approaching each conversation in a positive, friendly manner?
  • Are you aware of your "office sensitivity," i.e., messages being conveyed by your office décor, seating arrangements, and other design choices?
  • Do you ask students for their preferred pronouns?
• Differences are vital to the university community.
  • Do you try to learn about and accept differences?
  • Are you open to change?
  • Do you attend events, support organization activities, or show up in some way to provide encouragement to diverse communities?