I hope that you are safe and well, and buoyed by the promise of the new beginning that is upon us – re-entry into our academic community with our students and one another, the inauguration of our new President, and discovery of innovative ways to approach our Jesuit educational mission. I believe that we are in the midst of an exciting new beginning at SU, one that will require us all to do our part to cultivate the kind of inclusively excellent academic community that offers thriving for all.

I write to update you on some developments of how the Office of Diversity and Inclusion will aim to support our campus community as I reimagine the division’s structure, and partnerships on campus to build our capacity and strengthen our campus climate, structures, and practices to better operationalize our strategic vision in alignment with President Peñalver’s recently announced Reigniting our Strategic Directions. I share these updates on some changes, and the networks of support available to you as these plans take shape: 

- The role of an Ombudsperson is being reimagined and expanded to a full-time position to support faculty and staff. Provost Shane Martin and I have convened a working group that includes members selected by Academic Assembly and the Staff Council to offer input into this new role and ideas for making it most productive for both constituencies. In partnership with the Provost, this presents an opportunity to reimagine this full-time role under my leadership and its function as a key dimension of promoting inclusive excellence at SU.

While the position is unfilled, for any matters you or others might engage an ombudsperson, please direct those to my attention at inclusion@seattleu.   

-Dr. Jill Moffitt joined Seattle University as Interim Assistant Vice President for Institutional Equity, Title IX Coordinator, and ADA/504 Coordinator, effective August 16, 2021. Jill is a Senior Solutions Specialist with Grand River Solutions, an organization that provides Title IX and equity support and services to educational institutions across the country. Jill has more than 20 years of experience in higher education, including eleven years as a Title IX Coordinator at the University of North Carolina Asheville. You can find Jill Moffitt’s contact information here.  

As we prepare for a full search and recruitment process in the Office of Institutional Equity, I am pleased that Jill is with us to offer her experience and insights into this important role. Read more about Jill’s background and the transition in OIE. 

Thank you for your patience as we work together to build our capacity to advance our ambitious vision of inclusive academic excellence. You have my steadfast commitment and solidarity as we move forward.

Sincerely,

Natasha Martin, J.D.
Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion