Merrimack College’s founding values of teaching, learning and serving inform the institution’s unwavering commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We work on building and nurturing a culturally, racially diverse community, anchored in intersectional justice and respect for all identities and differences.
Merrimack College’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has been implemented as a pillar in our new five-year strategic plan, the Agenda for the Future (AFF). Inspired by our Catholic Augustinian mission and values, the College is more committed than ever to fostering a culture that values and nurtures diversity, inclusion and a sense of belonging for all, across racial, cultural, political and other identities. In accordance to the AFF and the institutional initiatives we seek to:
For more information on the vision please visit Merrimack College’s Agenda for the Future.
Merrimack has been focused on advancing diversity, equity and inclusion for more than a decade. Our efforts have led to the creation of particular programs and initiatives tailored to increase access and to promote diversity and inclusion.
Merrimack College is dedicated to providing yearly stapled events, Breaking Bread and Unity in Diversity days, to cultivate and foster the growth of DEI.
Hands to Help is a drop-in center that provides a variety of services to the community of Lawrence and surrounding areas. Services include after-school tutoring, applying to college, ESL classes, tax assistance, job preparation and resume building, summer day camp and general form assistance.
The Office of Intercultural Initiatives celebrates cultural diversity and provides education on systemic inequalities. In addition to the ongoing work of affinity groups and Unity House programming, the office has developed an advocacy and support group of faculty and staff of color, and created a diversity coalition.
The Early College Program offers a unique dual enrollment option for high school students from Abbott Lawrence Academy, the honors program within Lawrence High School. Participants earn college credits on Merrimack’s campus. Our program provides a viable, affordable pathway to college for underrepresented students.
Each year, the Pioneer Scholars Program offers up to ten Abbott Lawrence Academy students a full scholarship to Merrimack College covering tuition, room and board, fees and books.
There are several staff and faculty employee resource groups that have been active on campus, creating space for like-minded people to connect with and support one another and to explore ways to collaborate with student groups that share their identities and passion.
If you are concerned about any issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion, please do not hesitate to contact us. You may email us with questions or submit a concern via our bias report.
Jack Boyce, chair of Merrimack College’s Board of Trustees and member of the Class of 1981, and Father Nicholas A. Sannella, J.D., M.D., will be recognized on Friday, May 19, during the College’s Baccalaureate Mass and Conferral of Degrees ceremony.
