News

McDaniel College is expanding its efforts on behalf of diversity, equity and inclusion. A new McDaniel Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Board will inform a more comprehensive campus-wide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Plan and immediately make recommendations on key issues, including the appropriate staffing model to support our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, analysis of data, examination of policies, and support of the Black Lives Matter movement. McDaniel will also develop a clear reporting structure for community members to elevate concerns about discrimination or acts of racial injustice, increase training among student groups, expand our White Accountability Group, establish a Leadership Council for student organizations serving minority or underrepresented students, and review our curriculum to consider expansion of multi-cultural and racial justice course offerings. Additionally, McDaniel will officially be closed and declare a paid employee holiday this Friday, June 19, to celebrate Juneteenth, the traditional day to recognize the end of slavery.

In response to requests from students and alumni, we’d like to share more about efforts taken over the past two years by our campus. Although the College has taken steps to address matters of equity, inclusion, and diversity, we recognize that our work is ongoing. Share your questions and recommendations with us via email at diversity@mcdaniel.edu.

“The fundamental principles of a liberal education and the fundamental First Principles guiding the McDaniel community run absolutely counter to those of racial injustice and discrimination. Our values demand that we call out such injustices, whether they occur in our backyard or in Minnesota, Georgia, or New York. At McDaniel, we cannot and will not tolerate prejudice, bias, or discrimination.”

Cheers, congratulations and the ceremonial ringing of bells poured in from two dozen states and eight countries in virtual celebration of the accomplishments and bright futures of the McDaniel College Class of 2020. Families and friends of the 555 graduates joined in the day-long festivities that included virtual awards ceremonies, a slide show featuring every graduate and departmental receptions — all culminating in the traditional bell ringing and welcome as the newest alumni.

McDaniel will be hosting a Celebration Day for the Class of 2020 on May 23, when we will salute your achievements on what would have been your Commencement day. Virtual events will take place throughout the day, including a Class of 2020 slideshow on the McDaniel College website, virtual senior awards ceremonies, virtual receptions hosted by Academic Departments and Graduate Programs, and a virtual bell ringing ceremony to allow each of you as members of the Class of 2020 to ring-out together to conclude the day.

McDaniel announces planned May 23 Commencement ceremonies for both Graduate and Undergraduate students will not take place. Although there may not be a ceremony, students who complete their degree requirements will still receive their diploma in June.

McDaniel College is announcing meal plan refunds and housing relief to help ease the financial burden on our students and their families during this time of economic uncertainty. Read more about the details, including eligibility requirements.

I remind everyone that a college is not a place, it’s not buildings, it’s not curriculum. A college is people. And you are those people. You are those people no matter where you are. “You are McDaniel College.” WE ARE MCDANIEL. And no virus will ever diminish The Hill. We will Climb Higher. We will See Farther.

McDaniel’s Board of Trustees is a recipient of the 2019–2020 John W. Nason Award for Board Leadership given by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges. The award honors higher education governing boards that demonstrate exceptional leadership and initiative.

Ten McDaniel students from Anne Arundel, Carroll, Frederick, Howard and Montgomery counties, as well as Baltimore City, visited with their elected officials in Annapolis.