Fisher joins national coalition to advance DEI efforts  

St. John Fisher University has joined Belong, an inclusive learning consortium through the national Council of Independent Colleges; a move that advances the university’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.  

Designed in partnership with the Association of College and University Educators, Belong offers a suite of professional development resources for faculty and staff to support student belonging in the classroom and campus wide.  

“For 75 years, St. John Fisher University has been committed to access and to creating a culture of belonging,” said Gerard J. Rooney, Fisher president. “That work continues and our partnership with the Belong network will enhance those efforts, bringing national resources and expertise to our faculty and staff to ensure that we are applying best practices on our campus.”  

Through Belong, Fisher will gain access to nationally recognized credentials, webinars that address issues of inclusivity, on-demand DEI engagement resources and online opportunities for shared learning and networking on DEI issues and best practices for campus leaders through communities of practice. 

The program is adapted to the vision and mission of each campus, providing tools and resources that the institution can use to craft and sustain DEI efforts and foster a culture of belonging.  

At Fisher, Belong will include four principal objectives that are aligned with the university’s strategic plan. They are: 

• Intentionally incorporating elements of Fisher’s Basilian heritage into work that will demonstrate the university’s sincere, holistic interest in each student’s life;  
• Attract, support and retain a diverse workforce through best practices in talent management;  
• Expand training opportunities to infuse inclusive practices across the university, and 
• Leverage student and employee interests and develop an infrastructure to coordinate volunteerism that further strengthens community relations and partnerships. 

Fisher plans to launch its Belong efforts through its Inclusion Council, who will work to recommend efforts and initiatives. 

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