
Cultural Diversity and Inclusion
Message from our Chancellor
"When we speak about ‘diversity,’ it includes race, ethnicity, gender, religion, cultural background, national origin, and more. South University’s staff, faculty and students are vastly diverse yet united in a mosaic of service to our communities, the advancement of learning, and supporting one another’s achievement of life goals. I deeply believe one of the most important benefits of South University’s diverse human mosaic is that collectively, it makes possible a greater understanding than what is knowable by any individual on their own.
Yet, this moment brings forward a new and urgent opportunity for each of us to sow the seeds of change if we are to truly experience the growth of equality and equity represented in the mosaic described above. We must individually renew our responsibility to practice the “golden rule” every day."
Purpose & Mission
Purpose Statement:
The primary role of the Council is to connect Diversity and Inclusion activities to a broader academic and institutional practice. This will result in an oriented strategy that supports real institutional change and helps to establish dedicated focus on Diversity and Inclusion priorities to build an environment that helps students and employees thrive. This Council will provide a platform for assessing the effectiveness of the Diversity and Inclusion function, while introducing reform when needed.
Mission Statement:
The South University Council for Diversity and Inclusion's mission is to foster innovative actions that create an inclusive work environment that values the contributions of all students and employees. The goal of the Council is to help support a student body and workforce that reflects and embraces the gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, economic status, physical ability, as well as the religious, political, and cultural views of the university community. To create a culture where South University students, faculty and staff feel and know they are accepted, included and valued for who they are as human beings.
Goals
1. Create a University that is welcoming and respectful of differences and equal access.
2. Recruit, retain, and graduate a diverse population.
3. Hire and retain a diverse workforce.
4. Create environments for student learning that is culturally inclusive and sensitive.
5. Incorporate diversity and inclusivity in teaching, learning, and researching.
6. Create new partnerships and enhance existing ones that support the University's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Strategic Plans 2020-2021
1. Communication (newsletter, media and website)2. Curriculum (teaching methods and professional development)
3. Hire, recruitment, and retention
South University Policies
Equal Opportunity Statement:
South University is an equal opportunity university open to any qualified individual without regard to race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, genetic marker or any other basis protected by law. Pursuant to all applicable state, local or federal antidiscrimination laws and regulations, South University does not discriminate against any of the protected categories of individuals in the administration of its policies, programs or activities. This nondiscriminatory policy includes admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, employment practices, and all other university administered programs.
Disability Services:
South University provides accommodations to qualified students with disabilities. Disability
Services assists qualified students with disabilities in acquiring reasonable and appropriate accommodations and in supporting equal access to services, programs and activities at
South University.
Students who seek reasonable accommodations should notify the designated representative at their location of their specific limitations and, if known, their specific requested accommodations. Students will be asked to supply medical documentation of the need for accommodation. Classroom accommodations are not retroactive, but are effective only upon the student sharing approved accommodations with the instructor. Therefore, students are encouraged to request accommodations as early as feasible with The Office of
Disability Support Services to allow time to gather necessary documentation. If you have
a concern or complaint in this regard, please contact the Campus Director or President.
Complaints will be handled in accordance with the school's Internal Grievance Procedure for
Complaints of Discrimination and Harassment.
Non-Discrimination Policy:
South University does not discriminate or harass on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, religion, veteran's status, genetic marker, or any other characteristic protected by state, local or federal law, in our programs and activities. South University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. South University will not retaliate against persons bringing foreword allegations of harassment or discrimination. The campus Dean of Student Affairs has been designated to handle, inquire and coordinate the campus' compliance efforts regarding the Non-Discrimination policy.
Contact Information & Resources
How to Contact South University Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Council
_SU CDI@southuniversity.edu
Diversity and Inclusion Library Guides
South University Online Library has Diversity and Inlcusion resources for student, staff and faculty at https://southuniversity-libguides-com.su.idm.oclc.org/c.php?g=1082602&p=8026291
These resources includes Books, Background Information, Databases, websites, journals, and videos to help everyone learn about Diversity and Inclusion.
Council on Cultural Diversity and Inclusion
Council Members and Contact Information
CDI Members and Contact Information
The Council for Diversity and Inclusion |
NAME |
EMAIL/NUMBER |
Council Advisor |
Alisa Krouse, MA University Administration Vice Chancellor for Student Success and Administration Savannah, Georgia |
713-725-1930 |
Council Advisor |
Frances W. Oblander, Ed.D. Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Operations Savannah, Georgia |
912‐650‐5684
|
Interim Chair Council Member, Newsletter Committee |
William Faust Student Engagement and Advocacy Liaison South University Online Student Support Center Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
912-250-0518 |
Council Member, Military and Veterans |
Erika Landa Director of Financial Aid West Palm Beach Campus West Palm Beach, Florida |
561-273-6368 |
Council Member, Hiring, Recruitment and Retention |
Angela Moore, PHR, SHRM-CP Human Resources Generalist University Administration Savannah, Georgia |
912-650-5682
|
Council Member, Training and Professional Development |
Kalai Mugilan, MAMS, MPH, PhD Assistant Professor of Healthcare Management and Health Administration Montgomery Campus, Montgomery, Alabama |
334.395.8830
|
Council Member, University Curriculum Development |
Jennifer Pantaleo, MPAS, PAC Assistant Professor, Physician Assistant Program Tampa Campus, Tampa, Florida |
813-393-3723 |
Council Member, Website |
Steve Renaud, PhD Program Director Psychology and Criminal Justice, Austin Campus Round Rock, Texas |
|
Council Member, Student Organizations |
LaShanda R. Scott, M.Ed. Dean of Student Affairs Columbia Campus Columbia, South Carolina |
803-935-4408 |
Council Member, Website |
Ronald Taylor Enrollment Trainer South University Online Student Support Center Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
912-250-0692
|
Council Member, University Curriculum Development |
Melanie Yerk, PhD Dean of Academic Affairs and Operations, Tampa Campus and Orlando Learning Site Tampa, Florida |
813- 393-3672
|
Council Member News Letter Committee |
Thomas I. Watson, D.Ed., LPC, NCC, CPCS Program Director | Associate Professor Master of Arts - Clinical Mental Health Counseling Savannah Campus |
912-790-4171 |
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