Inclusive Excellence

The Office of Inclusive Excellence develops programming that promotes cross-cultural sharing and exploration, and offers holistic support to students of color, such as: 

  • overseeing and encouraging minority students’ academic progress, 
  • advising minority student organizations, 
  • promoting positive community relations, 
  • and representing the concerns of students of color.

Students of color represent more than 50 percent of MBU’s on-campus undergraduate population. 

Our focus is on your academic success, leadership development, wellness, cultural enrichment, and community involvement. 

Pledge of Inclusivity

We, the community of Mary Baldwin University, strive to celebrate humanity in all its wondrous and complex variation. Because we value diversity, it is our mission to sustain a community where all may flourish. We are safe to embrace our shared experiences and our differences. To this end, we treat all with respect and compassion.

Ida B. Wells Living Learning Community

Named for the noted civil rights activist, suffragist, and journalist, the Ida B. Wells community is for women of African descent who want to explore culture, identity, leadership, and civic engagement as the foundation for their active participation in the university community. 

PERSIST

The Promoting Excellence and Reinforcing Success in Student Transitions (PERSIST) program is a cohort program for African American male students. 

Ubuntu Mentoring Program

Ubuntu is a concept that exemplifies an African proverb based on the idea that “I am because we are. And since we are, therefore am I complete.” This unique Mary Baldwin University mentoring program pairs first-year African American and Latine students with student leaders who offer academic, emotional, and social support and positive reinforcement.

SistaFriends Alumnae Mentoring

SistaFriends is a mentoring program that facilitates meaningful connections between students and Mary Baldwin alumnae. Mentors spend time with students when classes are not in session, on an online network, and at campus events. SistaFriends supports and sustains the work and traditions of the Office of African American and Multicultural Affairs/Office of Inclusive Excellence.

Umoja Community

The Umoja Community is a special interest living learning community that houses highly motivated young women who are committed to creating and facilitating events that celebrate and explore African American history and culture. Working closely with the Office of Inclusive Excellence, the residents create a center for co-curricular learning and sponsor special events offered to those who are genuinely interested in learning more about African American culture in a safe and supportive environment.

La Casa Rosario Castellanos

La Casa Rosario Castellanos, named after one of Mexico’s most important feminist literary voices, is a special interest community that houses highly motivated young women who are committed to creating and facilitating events that celebrate and explore Latine culture. Working closely with the Office of Inclusive Excellence and Latines Unides, the residents of La Casa Rosario Castellanos create a Latine cultural center for co-curricular learning.

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Connect with an Admissions Counselor.