To: All Students

From: Melissa Van Der Wall, Dean of Students & Vice President for Student Well-Being and
Nicole Morgan-Agard, Esq., Chief Equity & Diversity Officer & VP for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Compliance

Date: March 7, 2024

Dear Student:

As an institution of higher education, Ramapo College of New Jersey is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. A multicultural mindset harnesses a diverse community of learners and we are grateful to the meaningful experiences you are participating in and promoting inside and outside of the classroom. One of the ways you can optimize the health of student learning for yourself and others is to ensure that others feel valued and supported. On a small campus like ours, we can role model what mutual respect looks like by:

• Upholding the mission, vision, and values of our Strategic Plan (“Boldly Ascending”).  The strength of our campus is in our ability to respect one another while simultaneously valuing our unique differences;

• Adhering to policies that are designed to create a safe environment for all;

• Knowing your resources.

Strategic Plan

The mission statement of the College notes “we promote diversity, inclusiveness, sustainability, student engagement, and community involvement.”  We create programs and resources so that all students can see themselves in the important work that we do.  In prioritizing diversity and inclusion, our message is simple and strong – you belong here!

POLICIES

Policy on Non-Discrimination 

Ramapo College of New Jersey is committed to maintaining an environment free from harassment and discrimination. In order to file a complaint about an incident of discrimination by a College employee against a student, please complete a discrimination complaint processing form or contact a staff member from the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Compliance (EDIC) at diversity@ramapo.edu or 201-684-6693. The College’s Policy Prohibiting Discrimination by Employees is available at the following link.

Student Handbook

The Student Handbook provides information to students concerning expectations of student behavior and the consequences that lie therein for failure to comply with the College’s community standards. The Code of Conduct specifically prohibits conduct by students that is regarded as discriminatory harassment, intimidation or bullying against an individual based on race, creed, religion, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex/gender (including pregnancy), familial status, marital/civil union status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, domestic partnership status, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, disability (including perceived disability, physical, mental and/or intellectual disabilities), or liability for service in the Armed Forces of the U.S.  The Code of Conduct also acknowledges categories protected from discrimination by the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination.

Bias Incident Response Policy

The College’s Bias Incident Response Policy serves to address bias incidents that are experienced by students, faculty, staff and visitors at Ramapo College of New Jersey based on their membership in a protected category.  A Bias Incident is any action directed toward an individual or group based on the individual or group’s actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, disability, marital status, civil union and/or domestic partnership status. Some examples include the following: racial jokes, homophobic slurs, defacing property with xenophobic images, or sending messages with sexist content.

Bias incidents can be reported anonymously online at the following link or to an EDIC staff member at diversity@ramapo.edu or 201-684-6693. Bias Complaint Form submissions are reviewed during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.  Therefore, submissions sent after College business hours, or on the weekends or holidays, will be reviewed and responded to on the next business day. The College’s Bias Incident Response Policy is available at the following link.

Resources

Resources to Report an incident of bias, discrimination, harassment, or bullying

• To file a complaint about an incident of discrimination by a student against another student(s), please contact a staff member from the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Compliance at diversity@ramapo.edu or 201-684-6693.

• Report a Bias Incident Form (includes anonymous option)

• Title IX Coordinator

• Mahwah Police, call 911

• Department of Public Safety, call 201-684-6666

• U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights

Resources for Student Support

• Conversations on Race, academic program to address events, issues, and trends surrounding race in society

• The Center for Health and Counseling Services:  The center includes an LGBTQIA+ counselor, Multicultural Counselor, and First-Generation Counselor, call 201-684-7522 for (24/7/365 support)

• The Center for Student Involvement 

• Veteran Resources

• Women’s Center and LGBTQ+ Services

• Multi-Cultural Center

• Office of Specialized Services

• Faith and Spirituality Services

Our very own campus motto is #WeAreRCNJ – and this means that our shared understanding of how we treat each other is built upon mutual respect and a commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion, and belonging.  All students deserve a campus experience that is welcoming and our expectation is that all of us deliver on the experience.