Office of Inclusive Excellence
The Office of Inclusive Excellence (OIE) supports the mission, values, academic endeavors,
and strategic priorities of Saint Xavier University by empowering diversity, fostering
partnerships, increasing access and enriching the learning, living and working environments
for all in our SXU community.
SXU's Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Grounded in Catholic identity, mission, and heritage, Saint Xavier University is committed
to serving a diverse learning community in conjunction with our core values. The University belongs to all in its community, regardless of race, color, ethnicity,
creed, religion, gender, gender identity, abilities, age, sexual orientations, nationality,
or immigration status. Faculty, staff, and students are engaged in creating a climate
of purposeful inclusion by cultivating equity and providing opportunities for meaningful
connections and service among diverse people, ideas, and perspectives, in search of
truth and the common good.
The Sisters of Mercy, immigrants themselves, founded the school in 1846 to educate
young women, and today's student body reflects the University's growing commitment
to a tradition of diversity and multiculturalism. In 2014, the University became a
federally-designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of Saint Xavier's heritage
and enrich and strengthen our academic programs and learning environment, which prepare
students to work as responsible global citizens and live by Mercy values.
Meet the OIE Team
Natalie Page, Ed.D.
Chief Diversity Officer
Natalie Page, Ed.D. (she/her/hers), inaugural chief diversity officer (CDO) at SXU, is excited to be here and looks forward to enhancing SXU's long-standing community. Page comes with over 20 years of experience in higher education, having previously served as an adjunct instructor, full-time tenured faculty member, dean of communication, and vice president of academic affairs.
Page's work in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) has been a common thread throughout her career. Years ago, she began a consulting firm where she provided training and developed diversity plans for nonprofits and parachurches throughout Chicagoland. Page is also the founder of Blossom, an organization that offers support, encouragement and resources for women of color in order to graduate.
Page views the Office of Inclusive Excellence as a reservoir hub that champions and ensures diversity, equity and inclusion among the leadership, faculty, staff and students. Her goal is to create a safe, welcoming culture of belonging for everyone who steps foot on the campus of Saint Xavier, thus fulfilling one part of the mission of the Sisters of Mercy -- to "serve wisely and compassionately in support of human dignity and the common good."
Contact the Office of Inclusive Excellence
Imelda Macias, Ed.D.,
Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Imelda Macías, Ed.D. (she/her/hers), is very excited and proud to be part of the Office of Inclusive Excellence as SXU's inaugural executive director of diversity, equity and inclusion. This position allows her the opportunity to focus her efforts on enhancing equity and fostering a positive and inclusive culture at SXU.
During her time at SXU, Macías has accumulated knowledge and experience in recruitment and retention of graduate and undergraduate students, equity-focused faculty professional development, strategies to support underserved student populations, and Title V grant project management. Macías' research, focused on culturally responsive teaching, the role of Hispanic-Serving Institutions in enrollment, and retention and graduation of first-generation Latinx students, informs her efforts to translate theory into practice to improve the experiences of all SXU students.
Macías' commitment and passion for higher education has led her to serve on a wide range of committees, spearhead initiatives serving students and families, and work directly with students as an adjunct instructor. Macías is a first-generation student and proud SXU alumna eager to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion and increase access and opportunities for students who have been historically underrepresented in higher education.
CONTACT THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSIONStudents
- Emerging Scholars
- Schmitt Scholars
- Sin Límites
- Black Student Union (BSU)
- Spectrum Alliance
- Pals for Change (PFC)
- Unidos
- Association of Latino Professionals (ALPFA)
- Muslim Student Association (MSA)
- Polish Student Association
- Monarcas
What is the Office of Inclusive Excellence?
The Office of Inclusive Excellence supports the mission, values, academic endeavors, and strategic priorities of Saint Xavier University by empowering diversity, fostering partnerships, increasing access and enriching the learning, living and working environments for all in our SXU community.
Bias INcident Response
Screening and Education Days
The University's Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT) is comprised of faculty and staff who are in key positions to investigate, address, and educate the community in relation to reported incidents of bias in the campus community. They partner with other members of the campus community to ensure that the effects of such behavior can be restored, and that the community can be educated on the negative effects – and, hopefully, positive growth and education – that may result from such experiences.
Bias Incident Reporting
Students who have been the targets of, or who witness, a bias incident may use this online form to make the University aware of these incidents.
Report an Incident