Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We believe that equitable access to education is morally imperative and that students have the right to enjoy an inclusive educational environment.

To follow through on this belief, we understand that we all need to be aware of our conscious and unconscious biases, as well as systemic biases within our institutions, and we must do our best to counteract and erode those biases. We will strive to be continuously and actively engaged in inclusive practices that will build a community where all feel welcome and empowered to learn and thrive. We acknowledge that applying these values will not be straightforward, and we must be ready to educate and support each other as we aspire to live up to the principles we agree on. (Read more of our Community Values Statement here.)

Listed below are resources to support and guide members of the Wellesley CS community.

In the CS Department:

  • BPC 2023-2025 Department Plan - our Broadening Participation in Computing Plan has been verified by BPCnet for 2023-2025
  • Mind the Gap - a Wellesley-student-run podcast about minorities in Computer Science, aimed at empowering students pursuing computer science through interviews featuring alums in the tech field (Advisor: Smaranda Sandu)
  • Wellesley in Tech - a student-run project aiming to highlight role models in Wellesley students and alumnae of color who are pursuing careers in tech (Advisor: Sohie Lee)
  • TransparenCS (coming soon!) - a student-built, student-curated CS resource bank website aimed at students who arrive at Wellesley curious about CS (Advisor: Sohie Lee)

On Campus:

  • The Inclusion Initiative - run by the Office of Intercultural Education, a program to promote peer-led cross-cultural conversations within the Wellesley College community around issues of identity
  • Office of Accessibility and Disability Resources - providing individualized assistance and information to students with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, and attention disorders
  • Harambee House - a student center dedicated to providing social, emotional, and academic support to students of African descent at Wellesley
  • LGBTQ+ Programs and Services - offering community and advising resources to Wellesley's LGBTQ+ students and their allies
  • Slater International Center - providing resources to international students and scholars, and working to increase intercultural understanding and establish global connections
  • First Gen/Low Income (FLI) Network - working to support FLI students and connect them with mentors, peers, and alumni
  • WellesleyPlus - a first-year experience program designed to assist first-generation and under-resourced students with their transition to college
  • Office of Religious and Spiritual Life - affirming the diversity of religious and cultural experience of Wellesley students and fostering communities for multifaith and intercultural exchange

People to Contact:

  • Ombuds Office - Provides confidential and neutral meetings, either in person or virtual, in order to assist students, faculty and staff explore options for resolving problematic issues on campus between individuals or due to other college-related factors
  • Inés Maturana Sendoya, Associate Dean of Students for Inclusion and Engagement
  • Mared Alicea-Westort, Assistant Dean of Intercultural Education and Advisor to Latinx Students
  • Patty Birch, Assistant Dean for Intercultural Education, Director of Harambee House, and Advisor for Students of African Descent
  • Karen Shih, Assistant Dean of Intercultural Education and Advisor to Students of Asian Descent
  • Jamie Motley, Director of Student Success
  • Amy Marks, Associate Provost for Equity and Inclusion
  • Title IX office

In Computing & Tech Industries: