Diversity and Inclusion
There are as many definitions of “diversity” as there are different faces. At the Farmer School, diversity is inclusive of the “traditional” factors of racial, ethnic and cultural background, and also encompasses socioeconomic status, age, gender, sexual orientation, philosophical, religious, and spiritual beliefs, as well as physical, social, and intellectual attributes and abilities.
We value and respect the perspectives and experiences of all students, faculty, alumni and stakeholders. As stated in our Strategic Initiatives, we are dedicated to fostering and nurturing a community that is welcoming to, and inclusive of students, faculty and staff with different backgrounds, talents, and skills and have a comprehensive array of dedicated resources and services to support our diverse population. See below for more details about these resources and services.
We believe that we gain valuable life skills learning, living and working with people with different cultures, viewpoints and lifestyles. It is this rich fabric that encourages ideas, conversations and deeper intellectual engagement. As our students graduate and join an increasingly global workforce, this appreciation for individuals as individuals will better equip them to succeed and will create new communities that celebrate diversity.
Diversity Resources and Support Services at the Farmer School
Director of Business Organizations and Diversity
Michelle Thomas, Director of Diversity, is responsible for
- Partnering with recruiters on creating opportunities for engaging with diverse students and student organizations
- Partnering with recruiters and alumni on developing scholarships for underrepresented students
- Enlisting the support of multi-cultural alumni, FSB faculty, and administrators to welcome diverse students to the Farmer School
- Advising students on how to navigate campus and utilize support systems
- Building a bridge from the Dean’s office to diverse FSB students, prospective students, recruiters and guest speakers
- Partnering with the Dean and executive committee to ensure that FSB policies are considering potential diversity and inclusion issues
Student Organizations
The Farmer School is home to more than twenty-five student organizations, offering a wide array of team-building, leadership, interest-specific, peer-peer and executive networking options. Explore the organizations.
Diversity Resources and Support Services at Miami University
Miami University’s Office of Diversity Affairs is responsible for the development and implementation of programs, activities, and procedures designed to enhance the academic success, retention, and personal development of diverse student populations. ODA embodies a commitment to diversity/multiculturalism as expressed through ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic differences.
Tutoring, Coaching and Academic Enhancement Workshops
The mission of the Bernard B. Rinella, Jr. Learning Center is to help students reach their individual academic goals by empowering them with skills needed to be independent and successful learners and to provide academic support through various programs and services.
Several programs at Miami are specially designed to provide academic support to students of nondominant cultures.