The Office for Diversity and Inclusion - Diversity and Inclusion

The Office for Diversity and Inclusion serves as a vital and integral resource for students and employees in the areas of equity, inclusion, and diversity. The office is dedicated to:

Supporting University of Maine students from historically underrepresented identities, including but not limited to sexuality, race, gender identity, spirituality, ethnicity, ability, religion, nationality, socio-economic status, and others.

Providing awareness and education to the entire university community around issues of equity, diversity, inclusion, and privilege.

ODI Centers

The Rainbow Resource Center (RRC) empowers and increases the visibility of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) people by promoting equality and inclusiveness at the University of Maine. The RRC strives to maintain an open, safe, and supportive environment for all students, staff, faculty, and alumni and provide educational opportunities, information, and advocacy services.
We are committed to building an inclusive campus community that does not merely tolerate, but respects and honors all individuals at the University of Maine. We envision a community where all live in equality.

Core Values

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Multicultural Competence: To prepare students to live responsibility in an increasingly global civilization.
Education and Advocacy: To raise awareness of LGBTQ issues across campus through education and advocacy.
Inclusivity and Broad Access: To create opportunities for all students to feel safe and welcomed and become active participants in the community.
Student Development and Leadership: To provide all students the tools and opportunities to become involved and achieve their goals for success.
Community Outreach: To meet the needs of the community through collaboration and innovation.

The Intersectional Feminist Resource Center (IFRC) supports and empowers students of all identities and backgrounds at the University of Maine. The IFRC strives to provide education around feminist topics including, and not limited to, sexual health and wellness in a space that is free from judgement and is open to individual experiences and expressions. In addition, the IFRC connects students with information about support services in the area. The center is dedicated to creating a more inclusive future through programming and events grounded at the intersections of feminism and social justice while breaking binaries, dismantling systems of oppression, and forging connections on an individual and campus-wide level.

The Multicultural Center serves a community of culturally diverse students. We are a resource and an advocate for traditionally underrepresented populations. The Center empowers all students and their organizations to create a vibrant and inclusive Maine community. Through various programs, the center explores critical issues on campus about race, class, ethnicity, nationality, culture, gender, and how to best support the success of students from marginalized communities and cultures.

Through the Multicultural Center, we provide:

A community that embraces diverse backgrounds, and appreciates the intersection of multiple cultural identities.
A safe and welcoming space for relaxation, meetings, studying
Educational, Cultural and Social Programs
Extensive campus and community resources

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ODI Training Sessions

Intro to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Over the last couple of years, we have seen an increase in DEI committees, initiatives, mission statements, and other commitments to creating equity. During this session, we are going to explore the basic definitions of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The facilitator hopes to explore diverse identities and what they mean to us. We will focus on developing skills that will help us be effective communicators.
This presentation can be facilitated in person and/or via Zoom.

The training sessions take approximately 2 hours.

Transforming Self for Racial Equity

Participants are led in guided discussions to analyze race in America. The facilitator hopes to use the time to help ask questions and explore possible responses together. Together we will develop skills to engage in conversations around race. We will explore implicit bias, microaggressions, and their impacts on our communities. By addressing these important topics, we hope to create a sense of belonging for all.
This training is offered by request and can be done in person and/or via Zoom.

The training takes approximately 2.5 hours.

Safe Zone Training

We welcome you to participate in this introduction to Safe Zone 101. During this session, we will define terminology to help understand the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities. And together, we hope to learn definitions, understand pronouns, and find ways to be effective and supportive allies.

This training session takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Response Language as a Professional Competency

There many folx right here in our community who are harmed by words, actions, and situations on a daily basis. Now that we know it exists, there are things that we can do to mitigate these impacts. There are ways that we can mitigate those harms by knowing how to prevent, interrupt, and respond to microaggressions and biases.

This training session takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Training Request
& Inquiry Form

Past Newsletters

November 2023

What is a bias incident?

A bias incident is conduct that discriminates, stereotypes, excludes, harasses or harms anyone in our community based on their identity (such as race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, or religion). Bias may stem from fear, misunderstanding, hatred or stereotypes. It may be intentional or unintentional.

Why report a bias incident?

The University is committed to ensuring that students, faculty and staff can live, work and study in an environment free of bias, however we need your help. To address incidents of bias we need to know about them. Reporting an incident will lead to outreach to those directly impacted and assist the University leadership in understanding the nature and occurrences of bias incidents. This will help us to prevent bias incidents in the future.

How do I report a bias incident?

The University is committed to ensuring that students, faculty and staff can report incidents of bias in a confidential setting and without fear of retaliation. You can report an incidence of bias using the on-line reporting form. You can also call 207-581-1406. Your report can be anonymous or you can share your name and contact information. You can also report a bias incident to the Office of International Programs and we will help you to file a report.

To report an emergency or if you are reporting an incident that poses an imminent risk of harm to a person(s) or property call 911/Police before completing this form.

What happens after I report a bias incident?

If you provide your contact information the Deputy Title IX Coordinator and the Director of the Office of Multicultural Student Life will conduct an initial meeting with you, inform you of your options, explain possible University responses, maintain ongoing contact with you as appropriate, and will convene the Bias Response Team to address any larger issues as necessary. The Bias Response Team is made up of staff members from various offices on campus, including the Office of International Programs.

For more information please visit the Office of Student Life’s Bias Response Team website.

Office of Student Records

Official Name Changes, Preferred Chosen Name, Change of Legal Sec, etc.

Learn, Support, Listen and Donate.

UMaine’s LGBTQ+ Black Bears: our.umaine.edu/wildestein

Maine Trans Net www.mainetransnet.org

Health Equity Alliance www.mainehealthequity.org

Equality Maine www.equalitymaine.org

SAGE Maine www.sagemaine.org

Out Maine www.outmaine.org

Support Groups

Out Maine Youth Programs www.outmaine.org/programs/youth/