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

The mission of Inclusive Excellence is to advance Montclair’s aspirational goals and initiatives for inclusion by promoting professional development, cultural & emotional intelligence, and human connection. Fostering greater a sense of belonging and a welcoming environment for students, faculty, staff, and alumni. We shall implement an integrated and shared approach to recommend and inform University structures, policies, initiatives, and programs.

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.

We recognize that, through the lens of inclusion, we can help ensure that all community members achieve a sense of belonging.This approach positions wellbeing as more than individual self-care, it frames wellbeing as a shared institutional responsibility shaped by campus & workplace culture, policy, leadership, belonging, access, and community connection. 

The eight dimensions are:

1. Emotional – Coping effectively with life and creating satisfying relationships.
2. Environmental – Promoting good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being.
3. Intellectual – Recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to expand knowledge and skills.
4. Physical – Recognizing the need for physical activity, healthy eating, sleep, and nutrition.
5. Occupational – Gaining personal satisfaction and enrichment derived from one’s work or vocation.
6. Financial – Achieving satisfaction with current and future financial situations.
7. Social – Developing a sense of connection, belonging, and a well-developed support system.
8. Spiritual – Expanding one’s sense of purpose and meaning in life.

We...

• Intentionally consider and center the needs of all community partners; 
• Engage in an ongoing personal journey toward critical consciousness and a deeper understanding of self, others, and community;
• Develop or strengthen a shared commitment to excellence, belonging, and collective responsibility;
• Grow through meaningful relationships, reflection, dialogue, and continuous learning;
• Cultivate values that support shared leadership, collaboration, and community-engaged practice.

We...

• Reflect on our own assumptions and perspectives;
• Recognize and address stereotypes or bias that may limit student and employee success;
• Take shared responsibility for supporting the success of all students and employees while recognizing, respecting, and understanding differences.