Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Communications
University Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Announcements
September 1, 2023
To Faculty, Staff and Students
As the sun sets on summer and we begin a new academic year, I extend a warm welcome to new and returning students, new faculty and all my colleagues on this first day of the Fall 2023 semester. Whether you are beginning your Stevens journey or returning to our beautiful campus, your unique experiences and contributions will surely enrich our shared community.
The Fall semester unofficially began with a series of highly coordinated, celebratory, fun and informational events to welcome new and returning students back to campus. Led by the Division of Student Affairs with many faculty, staff and student volunteers contributing, these events included:
New Undergraduate Student Orientation, with seven different pre-orientation programs, 53 peer leaders, 101 events and activities and new orientation programs for international and transfer students
New Graduate Student Orientation, staffed by 42 peer leaders, running 16 orientation events and activities and conducting 212 airport pickups for arriving international students
“Unpack the Quack” Move-In Days, supported by 436 staff, faculty, students and alumni, including 175 faculty and staff, 13 alumni, 68 resident assistants, 53 peer leaders and more than 100 student volunteers. Twenty-seven student affairs and campus operations staff meticulously planned, organized and executed this series of events, successfully moving in 1,984 students to their campus residence halls
It fills me with pride to see the selfless collaboration and boundless spirit of generosity of this community. My special thanks go to all who contributed to this event, particularly to the Student Affairs, Campus Police and Facilities and Campus Operations teams.
We hope students will carry this warm welcome with them as they begin classes today, September 1, and will join us for new student Convocation on September 6.
Much has happened at Stevens since we were all together at the end of the Spring semester. I am delighted to share a few statistics and highlights of recent progress:
Undergraduate and Graduate Student Enrollment
This week marked the official induction of the Class of 2027 into the Stevens community. This incoming cohort of undergraduate students is remarkable in many ways: Members of the Class of 2027 were chosen from a record-breaking pool of 14,170 applications — 13% larger than last year. This class is also among the most academically distinguished in our history and includes a record number of international students — 58% greater than last year — from 25 different countries. In total, we welcomed 1,085 new undergraduates, an intentionally modest increase over last year to ensure tight alignment of our overall enrollment with our campus infrastructure, while improving admissions selectivity and making progress on other enrollment goals. With this new class, the number of new and continuing undergraduates reached 4,094 for Fall 2023, consistent with our Strategic Plan goals. I offer heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to the Offices of Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Aid as well as all the collaborating offices and dedicated faculty who contributed to these achievements.
Similarly, a new cohort of graduate students joined our ranks, selected from a pool of 15,593 applicants, marking a new record that is 5% higher than last year. We also significantly improved our graduate admissions selectivity, welcoming 1,719 new graduate students this autumn. Total graduate enrollment currently stands at 4,821, including 85 new Ph.D. students. These numbers are as of August 31 and may increase in the coming days.
The Graduate Admissions Office, the faculty and the Division of University Relations have worked together effectively and seamlessly to broaden outreach and recruit an impressive new cohort of graduate students. My thanks go to all involved!
Student Experience
In an effort to further improve our students’ experience during their Stevens years, we are piloting the First Year Experience Course, a full semester introductory course that provides support and encouragement as new undergraduates make their personal and academic transitions into our university community. This course presents an opportunity for dialogue and discussion among peers, faculty and staff in a small-group setting as students learn about themselves in the context of the Stevens experience. Students will learn essential skills for success in college, including leadership skills, cultural competence, ethical decision-making, academic and career development skills, personal wellness and the use and optimization of our many campus resources.
Student well-being and safety remains our highest priority at Stevens. We continue to enhance our mental health resources for students and staff responders through the newly established Duck Support Network of trained students, staff and faculty in Mental Health First Aid. We have significantly expanded point-of-care testing available in Student Health Services and have added staff in all wellness offices to better meet increased student demand. The State of New Jersey has also generously provided free teletherapy to all New Jersey college students through Uwill.
In addition, five new Living-Learning Communities (LLCs), residential communities that connect students with faculty and staff around a common theme, launched this semester. In addition to the three LLCs established last fall, the new themes that launched this semester include: Scholars House; the Arts; Service and Leadership; What’s Next? (a second-year experience); and Stevens’ Chefs.
Thirty new faculty members have joined the Stevens community this fall, bringing our total full-time faculty count to 334, a new high. Of this new cohort of faculty, 22 are tenured/tenure-track faculty and eight are non-tenure stream faculty. I had the pleasure of meeting our new colleagues recently, and I eagerly anticipate the contributions they will make to our community in the years to come.
Research Awards
Stevens has set another new record for externally sponsored research funding. Research awards totaled $76.6 million in FY23, up from a record $60.4 million in FY22. Furthermore, FY24 research awards are off to a strong start with over $17 million in funding received thus far.
In July, we announced that Stevens secured $960,000 in federal funding to enhance our computing infrastructure, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, flood prediction and fintech. This financial support, championed by former New Jersey U.S. Rep. Albio Sires (NJ-8) and U.S. Sens. Robert Menendez and Cory Booker, will directly benefit both the Stevens Flood Advisory System (SFAS) and our high-performance computing cluster (HPCC). Additionally, during the same month, the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education awarded Stevens a $3.5 million New Jersey Higher Education Capital Facilities Grant, which will be allocated to further bolster the HPCC. With combined federal funding and state support, Stevens is strategically positioned to upgrade our entire HPCC system, amplifying our experiential learning capabilities and advancing our expanding research impact.
Alumni Engagement and Fundraising
We recently launched several new initiatives to help advance our Strategic Plan goals related to alumni engagement. More than 2,000 members joined StevensConnects, a career engagement networking tool for alumni and students, in its first six months. Alumni can provide students with career advice and connections through the StevensConnects platform, laying the groundwork for a formal mentoring program that will begin later this year. Alumni engagement opportunities also grew in FY23: New Industry Torchbearers networks were established for alumni working in the IT, construction and civil engineering, and healthcare fields, and regional alumni clubs were added in Dallas/Oklahoma City, Boston and Philadelphia.
At the close of FY23, gifts and pledges to Stevens totaled $18.3 million, an increase over FY22. This philanthropy enables much needed support for students, faculty and programs, and includes significant gifts to endow professorships and scholarships and to name the new tennis courts at the University Center Complex. The Stevens community also rallied around two major fundraising initiatives, the All Rise Challenge in support of Stevens Athletics and the Stevens Day of Giving, both of which exceeded their goals. Athletics Success The Stevens Ducks will begin the Fall 2023 season coming off another successful year, earning 18th place in the NCAA Learfield Director’s Cup of all 437 Division III institutions. Highlights from the last year include:
1 national champion: Men’s Volleyball
2 national top 10 finishes: Men’s Soccer (3rd) and Wrestling (7th)
10 team conference championships
12 NCAA appearances
11 All-Americans (not counting honorable mentions)
6 College Sports Communicators Academic All-Americans
A Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Woman of the Year: Laura Mathews
A Region IV DIIICA Student-Athlete of the Year: Hunter Gutierrez
An Elite 90 Award (for highest GPA at the Men’s Volleyball Championship): Brandon Rogers
3 NCAA events hosted in Hoboken (selected as hosts by the NCAA)
We all look forward to cheering on the Ducks’ success this fall!
Facilities and Campus Operations
Significant campus improvements were made over the past year to enrich the experience for everyone at Stevens. This includes the addition of two classrooms, two labs and 25 faculty offices to accommodate our growing community. Other improvements include the construction of new bathrooms in Palmer Hall, the installation of fresh turf on DeBaun Field, the upgrade of study areas in the Babbio Center and the introduction of new furniture in 19 classrooms. In addition, upgrades were made to the University Center's seating, ADA signage across campus was added and the Campus Police Dispatch Center was relocated to the Kidde Building for improved security. Our commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through projects like the replacement of the Rocco building's roof and HVAC system, roof upgrades on the Burchard Building and the ongoing overhaul of McLean Hall's HVAC system and LED lighting. The introduction of Stevens Commute, our new parking management system, provides a more automated and user-friendly campus parking experience.
The Division of Information Technology worked over the summer to launch digital toolkits for faculty, students and staff to enhance students’ academic journey and safeguard our digital landscape through the "Protect Stevens" program. In collaboration with Campus Operations, IT set up 13 new hybrid classrooms and improved IT processes for better classroom technical support. The division also launched a laptop purchase program and upgraded Wi-Fi connectivity with an additional distribution point on campus for redundancy. Additionally, IT launched three major initiatives: Research Computing Service, including planning for the new HPCC utilizing the grants mentioned earlier; Enterprise Data and Analytics; and Zooming Ahead: The Campus Phone System Upgrade. These technology enhancements will create a more seamless digital experience for the Stevens community.
I am grateful to the Division of Facilities and Campus Operations and to the Division of Information Technology for their dedicated efforts in shaping a more beautiful, sustainable and efficient campus environment.
Rankings and Recognition
Stevens continues to be recognized as one of the nation's best institutions for undergraduates in The Princeton Review’s annual college guide, The Best 389 Colleges: 2024 Edition. Only about 15% of America’s 2,700 four-year colleges are included in the listing, which was announced two weeks ago. In addition, over the summer, Money magazine announced a new college ranking system that awarded Stevens 4.5 out of 5 stars and named the university among America’s best.
Late last semester, U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate School Rankings placed several Stevens programs in the Top 100 — and one in the Top 50 — nationally. Notably, the Stevens School of Business rose 24 spots to No. 53 Best Graduate Business School in the nation and No. 2 in New Jersey. The School of Systems and Enterprises jumped six spots to No. 41 in the nation, while four graduate engineering programs in the Schaefer School of Engineering and Science ranked in the Top 100: Biomedical, No. 79 (up from No. 82); Chemical, No. 84 (up from No. 97), Computer, No. 71 (up from No. 79) and Environmental, No. 77 (up from No. 81).
Our faculty and colleagues have distinguished themselves as thought leaders in a variety of prestigious media outlets, from The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, to CNN, Forbes, Scientific American and The Times of India, on topics ranging from AI to Oppenheimer to helping students transition to college. Overall, placements in prestigious media increased 32% in FY23 over FY22, while engagement in institutional social media channels increased 261% over the same period and website pageviews increased 117% since launching in November 2022.
Lastly, I am honored to have recently received the 2023 Chief Executive HR Champion Award from the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR). This recognition aligns with our Great Place to Work Certification™, a testament to our dedicated faculty and staff who earned the notable recognition with their voices and excellent service. Both achievements are a tribute to the remarkable dedication and collaborative spirit of the entire Stevens community. I extend heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their contributions to this shared success and for their ongoing dedication to Stevens Institute of Technology.
In the Wake of the SCOTUS Decision
The recent Supreme Court of the United States decision regarding race-conscious admissions holds immense significance for tens of thousands of students, including many within the Stevens community. We understand the importance of creating a diverse and welcoming community in higher education and at Stevens, and we have reaffirmed this commitment not only in our current Strategic Plan but also in the wake of this significant decision. To learn more about the impact of this decision and access resources, I invite you to visit our dedicated webpage.
As we embark on a new academic year, I encourage you to embrace the opportunities for growth, connection and exploration that this Fall semester offers. Our collective dedication to excellence, innovation and collaboration is what sets Stevens apart, and I have no doubt that we will continue to make remarkable strides in the pursuit of knowledge and progress. I look forward to witnessing the positive impact we will undoubtedly create!
Per aspera ad astra.
June 30, 2023
To the Stevens Community:
As many in our community are aware, yesterday the Supreme Court of the United States issued a decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard and Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina that restricts institutions of higher education from using race in admissions decisions.
As we work in the coming weeks to fully understand and address the implications of this decision on our admissions practices, I reiterate the importance our university places on creating a diverse and welcoming institution that reflects the contributions and diversity of our global society.
Goal 6 of our 2022-2032 Strategic Plan, Inspired by Humanity, Powered by Technology, states that we will:
“Attract and retain an outstanding community of faculty, staff and students from diverse backgrounds and cultivate a supportive, inclusive learning and working environment that contributes to a technologically proficient workforce that is representative of our diverse society.”
Stevens is a community that is greatly enriched by diversity in all its forms. In the wake of yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling, we renew our commitment to recruit, nurture and support a diverse population of students who will go on to become the technological leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators of the future and to strengthen our inclusive and welcoming workplace for current and future colleagues.
Per aspera ad astra,
Nariman Farvardin
President
January 14, 2022
To Students, Faculty and Staff:
Stevens is committed to creating a culture in which all members of the community experience the university as a place where they can thrive. Building on recommendations from the President's Task Force on Equity and Inclusive Excellence and in collaboration with the Division of Information Technology, Stevens has enlisted the services of NameCoach, which allows students, faculty and staff to voice record and share the pronunciation of their name in a Canvas course or an email signature.
Names are central to our identity and pronouncing them correctly is a highly impactful way to promote inclusion and belonging. Given the extraordinarily rich diversity of our community, pronouncing someone’s name correctly is no easy task! Often we side-step the use of names, mispronounce or joke about our attempt. Even a seemingly simple name can be challenging to pronounce if it is unfamiliar.
In this pilot year, Stevens will assess the use and value of NameCoach to the community. A high level of adoption by students, faculty and staff is needed to realize the benefits of this service. Students and faculty are encouraged to take two minutes to go to their Canvas account today or during the first week of class to record their names. This video link includes instructions if needed. For additional information visit the project page. The first week in February, students, faculty and staff will be able to record their name on Outlook.
Please send any comments or questions to Maryam Mizra ([email protected]) in IT or to me at [email protected]. Please contact Client Support Services for technical support at [email protected].
Thank you for taking the time to make Stevens a stronger community.
Sincerely,, Susan Metz
Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
October 29, 2021
To All Faculty and Staff:
On November 8th, Stevens will join colleges, universities, corporations, non-profits, and K-12 schools across the country in the National First-Generation College Student Celebration, known as Celebrate First-Gen Day. A first-generation college student is defined as someone whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) have not graduated from a four-year college or university. Stevens is committed to providing an academic experience where first-generation students can thrive.
Please take a few minutes to explore the First-Generation College Students website to see testimonials from Stevens first-generation students, faculty and staff and learn about the history of Celebrate First-Gen Day. And visit the Celebrate First-Gen Day tables on Monday, November 8th in the Babbio Atrium and on the Howe Center 2nd Floor from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm to find out more about the resources available to support our outstanding First-Gen students.
If you were a first-generation college student and are interested in connecting with current firstgeneration Stevens students, contact Nicholas Jones ([email protected]), Assistant Director for Special Programs, for more information.
Sincerely,, Susan Metz
Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
June 28, 2021
To Faculty, Staff, and Students:
On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed legislation to make Juneteenth a national holiday, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Stevens will formally add Juneteenth to its roster of holidays in 2022 to celebrate the progress that has been made in the U.S. since the end of slavery and to demonstrate Stevens’ commitment to stand against racism in all forms.
In 2022, June 19th falls on a Sunday; therefore, Stevens will celebrate Juneteenth on Monday, June 20, 2022.
The academic calendar will accommodate this new holiday without impacting class time.
Per aspera ad astra,
Nariman Farvardin
President
June 14, 2021
To Students, Faculty, and Staff:
Once again, I take this opportunity to restate Stevens’ values and denounce all forms of hatred and violence. In light of the recent anti-Semitic violence, I offer my and our university community’s support to Jewish members of our community and to implore each of us to stand against violence and hatred in all forms.
Stevens’ mission is to inspire, nurture, and educate leaders in tomorrow's technology-centric environment while contributing to the solution of the most challenging problems of our time. In support of this mission, we remain committed to the values of academic freedom and nondiscrimination in all that we do. Stevens is a community enriched and strengthened by the talents, contributions, and engagement of each member, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and all other attributes protected by Stevens’ nondiscrimination policy. We will continue to work earnestly and proactively to provide a safe, inviting, and supportive environment for all members of our community.
If you witness anti-Semitic acts or any other acts of hatred, violence, or bias, please follow the guidance in our Policy on Discrimination, Harassment & Bias Incidents and report it through MyStevens Report a Concern immediately.
Per aspera ad astra,
Nariman Farvardin
President
April 20, 2021
To Faculty, Staff, and Students
As many in our community and across the nation react to the verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin, who was found guilty in the death of George Floyd, I am writing to acknowledge the stress and tension that many have been feeling during this period of social turbulence and to reaffirm our university’s commitment to creating an environment free from racism and other forms of bias. I am heartened by the supportive response that so many members of our university community have exhibited to one another in these difficult times, and in particular, I am pleased to share the recommendations of the President’s Task Force on Equity and Inclusive Excellence. This Task Force, which began its work in October 2020, has been focused on understanding racial and other inequities that may exist at Stevens, making recommendations for improvement and creating an environment where all members of our community can thrive.
Last month, I announced that the Task Force’s final report and recommendations have been shared and discussed with the President’s Cabinet, Stevens’ Academic Council and the Human Resources Committee of the Board of Trustees. The final report is now available on the Diversity & Inclusion website, and I encourage all to review it in its entirety.
The recommendations presented in the final report represent the work of the Task Force over months of investigation and research, and with considerable input from the community. In the coming months as Stevens resumes more normal operations, I and administrative leaders will carefully review each of the recommendations and discuss how and when they can be implemented. Our efforts will focus initially on the five priorities identified in the report, and recommendations of the Task Force will inform and influence Stevens’ next 10-year strategic plan which will be developed over the coming year. The Task Force’s five priority recommendations are summarized below:
1. Embed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into all relevant major areas of the 2022-2032 Stevens strategic plan to strengthen university commitment to DEI.
2. Increase faculty diversity with a focus on individuals from underrepresented groups to inspire student engagement and drive innovation in research and teaching.
3. Enable Stevens graduates to be versed in the challenges, opportunities and issues of DEI and to effectively interact in a diverse workplace.
4. Build capacity among faculty and staff to influence Stevens’ culture and climate to ensure all members of the community feel a sense of belonging and experience Stevens as a place where they can thrive.
5. Enhance communications to the campus community to increase awareness of DEI activity and progress and to reinforce how DEI is valued at Stevens.
Stevens has a responsibility to leverage the strength that our diverse community contributes to education and research; to prepare our students to succeed in an increasingly diverse society and workplace; and to support to the greatest extent possible all members of our vibrant community. The EIE Task Force recommendations provide a roadmap to build on current successes and employ best practices to establish new policies and practices. Once again, I would like to thank all of the Task Force members for the considerable time and thought they gave to advancing Stevens’ continued commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Per aspera ad astra,
Nariman Farvardin
President
March 16, 2021
To the Stevens Community (faculty, staff, students, alumni):
In late 1970, the Stevens Board of Trustees approved the admission of women undergraduates to Stevens, and in the fall of 1971 nineteen courageous, excited, and probably anxious trailblazing women stepped onto campus to begin their studies and paved the way for many others to follow. Fifty years later the power of women at Stevens resonates throughout our community in every way. In 2021, Stevens is home to 1,100 women undergraduates – almost 30% of the undergraduate population. Women have thrived at Stevens as influential student leaders, outstanding athletes, accomplished scholars, and strong contributors to student organizations and classroom interactions. It’s hard to imagine the campus community any other way.
After graduation, Stevens women continue to make their mark nationally and internationally, in academia, government, industry, and service to the university at the highest levels. Beginning this month, designated as Women’s History Month, and continuing throughout 2021, Stevens plans to recognize this anniversary with stories and events celebrating this transformational milestone.
Kicking off our celebration is the launch of the Women at Stevens website, which showcases stories of women at Stevens, a timeline of key moments, and events taking place across the university. The website commemorates this historic occasion and provides an opportunity to share stories from the past, present, and into the future.
Susan Metz
Executive Director, Diversity and Inclusion
October 23, 2020To Faculty, Staff, and Students:Earlier this year, a set of goals and actions to support the Standing Together, Standing Against Racism initiative was announced to the Stevens community. As we strive toward achieving a fully equitable and inclusive community, I am pleased to announce the formation of the President’s Task Force on Equity and Inclusive Excellence. The charge of this Task Force is to understand racial and other inequities that may exist at Stevens and make recommendations for improvement based on data, best practices, and applicable law.Considerable input from the Stevens community will be needed for this Task Force to do its work. The Task Force will gather input through listening sessions, surveys, and focus groups and will regularly communicate its progress to the Stevens community, including through updates in the goals section of the newly-launched Diversity and Inclusion website.The Task Force will begin its work in November 2020 and conclude early in the spring semester.I am grateful to the following members of the Stevens community who have agreed to serve on the President’s Task Force on Equity and Inclusive Excellence.
Dr. Peter Dominick, Teaching Professor, School of Business (Co-Chair)
Ms. Susan Metz, Executive Director, Diversity and Inclusion, Office of the President (Co-Chair)
Mr. Warren Petty, Vice President for Human Resources (Co-Chair)
Mr. Jose Angeles ’19
Ms. Emily Ashbolt, doctoral student, Biomedical Engineering ’23
Ms. Marissa Brock ’99
Ms. LaToyia Carter, Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Facilities and Campus Operations
Ms. Tiffany Fonque, undergraduate student, Civil Engineering, Class of 2022
Mr. Jaquion Gholston, Associate Director, Sponsored Accounting and Cost Analysis
Dr. Sara Klein, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs
Dr. Adeniyi Lawal, Professor and Chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Schaefer School of Engineering and Science
Dr. Yehia Massoud, Dean of the School of Systems and Enterprises
Ms. Karla Medina, Senior Marketing Manager, Division of Communications and Marketing
Mr. Edmund Ocansey, graduate student, Engineering and Industrial Management ‘21
Ms. Maria Ouckama, Assistant Vice President of Human Resources
Mr. Russell Rogers, Director of Athletics
Dr. Dibyendu Sarkar, Professor, Department of Civil, Environmental and Ocean Engineering, Schaefer School of Engineering and Science and Faculty Senate Chair
Ms. Kathy Schulz, Esq., Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary to the Board of Trustees
Mr. Joshua Small, undergraduate student, Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2022
Ms. Diane Sosa, Staff Therapist, Counseling and Psychological Services
Dr. Lindsey Swindall, Teaching Assistant Professor, College of Arts and Letters
Dr. Jeffrey Thompson, Associate Professor, College of Arts and Letters
Dr. David Zeng, Vice Provost for Academic Innovation and Faculty Affairs
I am hopeful that our community will be enriched by increasing our awareness of each other’s life experiences, and I thank you in advance for supporting the Task Force as its members undertake this critically important work.Per aspera ad astra, Nariman Farvardin
President
June 29, 2020
To Stevens Faculty and Staff:
On June 8th, 158 Stevens staff and faculty participated in a facilitated community conversation, Standing Together and Standing Against Racism, where there was candid sharing of experiences and perspectives and palpable support for colleagues. At the close of this meeting, co-hosts Susan Metz and Maria (Sin) Ouckama, AVP of Human Resources, committed to exploring further actions to strengthen diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at Stevens.
On June 23rd, four goals accompanied by an initial set of recommendations based on feedback from the June 8th meeting, input from an ad-hoc working group consisting of academic and administrative leaders, and best practices were presented to President Nariman Farvardin and Stevens Vice Presidents. Goals and actions below were endorsed by the University leadership. In addition, a major focus on expanding Stevens ACES, an initiative to provide generous scholarships and other support to underserved and underrepresented minority (URM) students at Stevens, was added, which has also been unanimously endorsed by the Stevens Board of Trustees.
Increase knowledge and discourse on topics relating to racial discrimination.
Work with SES, SSE, SoB and CAL to incorporate relevant diversity topics within curriculum, academic materials, and learning outcomes.
Implement relevant professional development, education and training for leadership, faculty and staff.
Assess employee populations data, policies and practices through a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens.
Review and assess populations, policies, processes and practices for faculty and staff hiring and promotion.
Conduct a combination of listening forums, surveys and focus groups of underrepresented faculty, staff and students to understand their experience at Stevens.
Use qualitative and quantitative data to drive initiatives to improve racial equity, diversity and inclusion across Stevens.
Establish a President-appointed task force to review Stevens’ qualitative and quantitative data, and develop recommendations based on best practices.
Implement actions in the short term. o Expand and strengthen Stevens ACES (Accessing Careers in Engineering and Science.
Establish a University-wide academic seminar-series on race and inequality.
Frame discussion of first year student 2020 summer read around issues of race, class and science. What the Eyes Don’t See: A Story of Crisis, Resistance, and Hope in an American City by Hanna-Attisha.
Provide administrative and academic leaders with demographic data regarding employees in their division.
Include an appropriate qualitative diversity goal in objectives letter of administrative and academic leaders.
Work with faculty to identify actions to take both in and outside the classroom which can be included in the new outreach category contained in the Faculty Activity Report (FAR).
Add a diversity leadership category for faculty and staff in the Excellence in All We Do awards. o Include underrepresented minority scholars and leaders among speakers participating in Stevens events and seminars.
Engage faculty and staff in student sponsored cultural events and celebrations that occur at Stevens.
Develop a high level Diversity & Inclusion website for Stevens.edu
Timelines, resources required and persons accountable for specific actions are being identified. Updates will be posted on the Stevens website and you will receive notification when they are available.
Susan Metz
Executive Director of Diversity and Inclusion
Office of the President
Warren Petty
Vice President
Division of Human Resources
Revision: 10/14/20
June 3, 2020
To Stevens Faculty and Staff:
As a follow-up to President Nariman Farvardin’s message on June 2nd, Standing Together and Standing Against Racism, we invite Stevens faculty and staff to share your thoughts through a facilitated community conversation. This first conversation is intended to provide a safe place to talk about race relations. Our goal is to bring members of the community together to share experiences, express perspectives, build community and offer support to colleagues and coworkers.
Please join us in this first step.
When: Monday, June 8, 2020 from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Where: Zoom Conference
Facilitators: Susan Metz, Executive Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Office of the President
Maria Ouckama, Assistant Vice President for Human Resources and Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Register here. A zoom link and password will be sent confirming your registration.
Susan Metz Executive
Director of Diversity and Inclusion
Office of the President
Maria Ouckama
Assistant Vice President & Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Division of Human Resources
June 2, 2020
To the Stevens Community:
The mission of Stevens Institute of Technology is “to inspire, nurture and educate leaders in tomorrow’s technology-centric environment while contributing to the solution of the most challenging problems of our time.” There may never have been a time in our university’s 150- year history where leaders and problem-solvers were needed more than today.
In recent months, our faculty, staff, and students have worked intensely and tirelessly and have pulled together to overcome the prolonged disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Yet in light of the unjust and horrific events of the recent past, we have a responsibility, individually and collectively, to take on another serious challenge: to stand together and against the virulent and violent impacts of racism and hatred in our society. We must model empathy and increase our understanding of the life experiences of each other. And, we must proactively and decisively work to provide a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for each and every person regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and other characteristics.
It is a privilege to learn and to work within the remarkable community that is Stevens. We are enriched and strengthened by the diverse talents, contributions, and engagement of each member. We are leaders and problem-solvers, and we must use our talents and experiences to denounce injustice and eliminate discrimination within our community and wherever we may encounter it.
In closing, I especially want to offer my sincere and unequivocal support to the African American members of our community. Your engagement as students, scholars, colleagues, and friends has contributed to our collective success as a university on the rise. Whether we are on campus or online, we remain committed to our values of academic freedom and nondiscrimination in all that we do.
Per aspera ad astra,
Nariman Farvardin
President
To: The Stevens Community
This year as we celebrate Stevens’ 150th anniversary, I want to take the opportunity to restate our mission and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring a welcoming, tolerant, and respectful environment for all members of our community.
Stevens’ mission is to inspire, nurture, and educate leaders in tomorrow's technology-centric environment while contributing to the solution of the most challenging problems of our time. In support of this mission, we remain committed to the values of academic freedom and nondiscrimination in all that we do. Stevens is a community enriched and strengthened by the talents, contributions, and engagement of each member, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and all other attributes protected by Stevens’ nondiscrimination policy. We will continue to work earnestly and proactively to provide a safe, inviting, and supportive environment for all members of our community.
Our community has made significant progress on a number of initiatives and programs to enhance diversity and create a more inclusive environment at Stevens, and these efforts have received national attention. Last fall, the American Society for Engineering Education Diversity Recognition Program named Stevens to the inaugural group of award recipients to publicly recognize the significant, measurable progress we have made in increasing our diversity, inclusion, and degree attainment outcomes. Also, the PwC-sponsored CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion Initiative invited Stevens to join its initiative and participate in a CEO Summit. These initiatives, together with a number of long-standing Stevens programs, underscore the importance that the university places on fostering a welcoming and inclusive institutional climate for all.
Other highlights of the recent past include:
Student-Focused Programs, Activities, and Updates>
Stevens ACES
Launched in 2017, Stevens ACES (Accessing Careers in Engineering and Science) provides underserved and underrepresented minority (URM) students with specialized programming, mentoring, educational opportunities, and financial support to pursue STEM and technology-infused degrees and careers. ACES includes both pre-college and undergraduate programs, and augments and leverages resources and key stakeholders including faculty, students, alumni, and academic and student life support services. In its first year, ACES resulted in a 60% increase in the participation of URM students in the Stevens Pre-College Summer program and a 46% increase in the number of URM students in their first year at Stevens. Second-year results continued this trend with a 50% increase over the baseline year for the pre-college program and a 29% increase in the number of URM students in their first year at Stevens. Also, last fall, the New Jersey Tech Council recognized the ACES program with its 2019 Innovation in Education award, presented to a program or initiative that uses innovative technology while encouraging students to pursue higher education in STEM. Recognizing the success of the Stevens ACES program in increasing the pool of underserved and URM students in STEM, the State of New Jersey adopted legislation to scale up the ACES program to all of New Jersey’s research universities based on the Stevens model. This legislation was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy in January 2020.
Clark Scholars Program
With a $15 million gift of endowment from the A. James and Alice B. Clark Foundation, the Clark Scholars Program provides financial support and enhanced learning opportunities for exceptional undergraduate students who are underrepresented in the engineering, computer science, and cybersecurity fields. Thirty-four Clark Scholars, 53% women and 41% URM students, have joined Stevens in the first two cohorts of this program. In addition, through a companion grant, the Clark Foundation is providing full tuition scholarships to 20 underserved and underrepresented minority students annually to the Stevens Pre-College Summer program, with the goal of providing life-changing opportunities and experiences to high school students to explore their interests in STEM.
Fall 2019 Undergraduate Enrollment Data on Diversity
Programs such as ACES and the Clark Scholars program are integral elements of Stevens’ overall strategy to reach its goal, articulated in the 2017 Strategic Plan Update, to enroll 15% URM students in the undergraduate cohort by 2022. Data for Fall 2019 indicate that 15% of the Fall 2019 first year and new transfer student cohort, and 14% of all undergraduates, are from underrepresented minority groups. Stevens also set a strategic goal to reach at least 35% female enrollment in the undergraduate population by 2022. As of the Fall 2019 census, 29% of undergraduates are female.
Events, Training, Programs, and Resources for Students
A wide range of programs and resources to support student diversity and inclusion throughout our campus are identified below. Highlights from this past year include the following:
Stevens Technical Enrichment Program (STEP): Since 1968, the STEP program has been a pillar of programming and support to increase the pipeline and success of underserved and URM students at Stevens. Designated by NACME (National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering) as a partner institution, through STEP, Stevens will receive a grant for scholarship funds to increase enrollment and graduation rates of URM students. Through a combination of pre-college and undergraduate programs, STEP has been a core component of Stevens’ commitment to increasing the pool and expanding opportunities for underrepresented and underserved students in STEM.
Diversity Education and Intercultural Space: Faculty, staff, and students attended workshops and presentations on a wide range of topics related to diversity, inclusion, and intercultural communication and collaboration. The creation of the Intercultural Space in January 2020 provides a physical hub for programming and resources related to diversity and inclusion. Located in the Student Center, the comfortable, student-centric space houses the Diversity Education Lending Library, a relaxation corner, and student art.
Lecture Series: The Excellence Through Diversity Lecture Series and the Provost’s Lecture Series on Women in Leadership introduced ideas and perspectives by Susan Cain, Chief Revolutionary of Quiet Revolution and author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking, and Menah-Pratt-Clarke, J.D., Ph.D., Vice President of Strategic Affairs and Diversity at Virginia Tech.
Lore-El Center for Women's Leadership: The Lore-El Center held more than 30 programs on topics ranging from civic engagement, wellness, leadership, and women in entrepreneurship to “industry chats” with alumnae. The Lore-El Center continues to serve as a hub for leadership development on campus with a lens toward gender equity and inclusion. This year, the LeadHERship Conference hosted student, faculty, staff, and alumnae attendees along with speakers Malena Higuera ’75 and Deanne Bell, an engineer, television host, and entrepreneur.
LGBTQ+ Resources and Support: Stevens continues to offer the Safe Zone Ally Program, a campus-wide initiative designed to educate Stevens community members on LGBTQ+ identity, allyship practices, and injustices impacting the LGBTQ+ community. Stevens continues to support students with changing their name or gender identity on campus and provides an expanding list of gender-inclusive restroom locations on campus. The oSTEM (Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) initiative, a recent addition, and the Torch Alliance are registered student organizations focusing on LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Student Groups and Events: Two new social Greek organizations received provisional recognition and will pursue a founding class beginning this semester (Spring 2020). These include Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc., a Latino-oriented collegiate fraternity, and Lambda Tau Omega, a multicultural collegiate sorority. Stevens’ Active Minds chapter partnered with Student Affairs, CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services), and the City of Hoboken to plan and implement the annual Out of the Darkness Walk.
Title IX: The newly established Office of Community Standards and Title IX partnered with Athletics, Residential Education, and Wellness Education to offer Title IX educational programs including October’s Take Back the Red Red Zone Initiative, February’s Sexual Assault Prevention speaker Brenda Tracy, and April’s Sexual Assault Awareness month and the Take Back the Night march.
Faculty Diversity: Increasing diversity among our faculty is a goal articulated in the Stevens Strategic Plan. Stevens is committed to hiring faculty who reflect greater diversity from multiple perspectives, including gender and ethnicity. In AY19-20, a total of 24 new faculty members were hired. Of 24 new hires, women represented 33% and underrepresented minorities represented 8%. Overall, 26% of Stevens’ full-time faculty are women and 3% of the full-time faculty are underrepresented minorities.
Center for Faculty Engagement and Advancement Workshops: Among some of the workshops that were offered in AY19-20 were: Inclusive Classrooms for Faculty and Teaching Assistants; Cross-Cultural Communication; Advising International Students; Safe Zone Training for Faculty and Staff; A Practical Guide to Working with Students in Distress; and Title IX Training for Faculty and Staff. Funded by the National Science Foundation’s ADVANCE program, Stevens hosted Dr. Stephanie Goodwin and PowerPlay Interactive Development, a theatre troupe that conducted professional development in the area of bystander training and unconscious bias.
Stevens Diversity Data: Stevens regularly analyzes diversity benchmark comparisons for women and underrepresented minority faculty, students, and staff. Facts & Statistics can be found on the Stevens website.
Stevens Policies: Stevens’ policies that are relevant to issues of diversity are available in the Stevens Policy Library. I am proud of the progress being made on these efforts and our new initiatives to make Stevens a more diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment. I invite the participation of the entire university community in enhancing these programs and making them successful.
Per aspera ad astra,
Nariman Farvardin
President
Stevens Newsletters
Diversity Education Newsletter
The Diversity Education Newsletter promotes the ongoing work of diversity and inclusion at Stevens and shares opportunities for learning and engagement. All members of the Stevens community are encouraged to read and share this newsletter as we all contribute to building a more inclusive campus environment.
Select University Publications
The Stevens Indicator - Spring/Summer 2023 - Moments of Clarity: Career Callings Discovered
The Stevens Indicator - Winter 2020 - Opportunity Unlocked: Clark Scholars See Their Dreams Within Reach
The Stevens Indicator - Fall 2019 - Got Your Back: Saluting Military Alumni
The Stevens Indicator - Spring/Summer 2019 - Evolving the Face of STEM