Office Of Inclusive Excellence

Welcome to the Office of Inclusive Excellence

The Office Inclusive Excellence is dedicated to advancing a culture of belonging, connectedness, and fairness throughout the Montclair State University community. Our mission is to ensure every individual feels seen, valued, respected, and empowered—regardless of their background, experiences, or perspective. We see power and strength in working collaboratively to amplify all voices while upholding fairness and dignity for everyone. Our goal is to ensure that all voices are heard, differences are celebrated, and barriers to engagement are actively dismantled.

Whether you are a student, faculty member, staff, or community partner, we invite you to join us in advancing a more just and inclusive community. Together, we can create an environment where inclusion drives excellence and where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

In Service,

Dr. Ashante S. Connor
Associate Vice President of Inclusive Excellence and Special Assistant to the President

Mission Statement

Our mission is to advance Montclair’s aspirational excellence goals, initiatives and promote cultural intelligence in a welcoming environment for all by providing an integrated, shared approach through structures, policies, initiatives, and programming.

Purpose

We are dedicated to fostering a campus environment that upholds fairness, connectedness, and belonging for everyone as foundational values. Our purpose is to ensure all members of the community—students, faculty, staff, and visitors—experience respect, opportunity, and fair treatment in all aspects of institutional life.

Through collaboration, education, advocacy, and policy, the Office aims to cultivate a culture of inclusive excellence, where varied perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated as essential to academic and social innovation.

Definition of Institutional Excellence

Approach to Engagement:

Focus on personal journey toward critical consciousness
Leaders develop or strengthen commitment to excellence
Grow through personal relationships, reflections, and learning
Leaders develops values for shared leadership

Fair Mindedness

Fair-minded leaders:

Question their own assumptions,
Recognize stereotypes that limit student and employee success,
Become accountable for the success of all their students and employee, and recognizing and understanding differences

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Employee Resource Groups

Community Resources

Programming and Initiatives

Share a Recommendation

Please share your ideas for programs, initiatives, and spaces that can help foster a greater sense of belonging for all employees:
Employee Recommendation Form

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