Inclusive Excellence In Action Stories
Conversation Café
Last semester, the Office of Community and Culture set out to capture stories of initiatives across campus that embody Inclusive Excellence.
Every Monday from 12:00–1:00 p.m. in UC 210, members of the UMBC community gather over tea, coffee, and conversation. Known as the Conversation Café, this initiative creates a welcoming, low-stakes environment where English Language Institute (ELI) students can practice their English while building meaningful connections with the broader UMBC community. What may appear to be a simple gathering is, in reality, a thoughtfully designed space rooted in inclusion, belonging, and shared learning. Read more about how Conversation Café embodies Inclusive Excellence here: https://doie.umbc.edu/inclusive-excellence-in-action-conversation-cafe/
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What’s Your Inclusive Excellence in Action story?
This semester, we are inviting members of our diverse campus community—including students, staff, and faculty—to share their own Inclusive Excellence stories.
These narratives will be featured on our website as a resource and source of inspiration for the entire UMBC community. Examples of practices you might share include:
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Curricular Innovations: Developing courses that incorporate diverse perspectives, authors, and case studies to enrich the learning experience and reflect the global society we live in.
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Inclusive Pedagogy: Implementing teaching strategies that accommodate diverse learning styles and create equitable opportunities for all students to succeed.
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Community Engagement: Organizing programs or events that promote cross-cultural understanding, dialogue, and collaboration among different groups within and outside the university.
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Policy Development: Establishing departmental policies that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in hiring practices, professional development, and daily operations.
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Support Services: Creating initiatives that provide resources and support for underrepresented or marginalized groups within the UMBC community.
To share your story, email us at Culture@umbc.edu. Please include your contact information and a brief statement about your Inclusive Excellence practices, and someone from DOIE will connect with you. Your contributions are vital in building a more inclusive and equitable campus for all.