IDEC committees address issues regarding diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging (DEIAB) and mediate solutions in various focus areas around the University. Committee members include current students, staff, and faculty of USM. Each committee is led by two co-chairs who volunteer to serve for two-year terms. Learn more about each committee and find out who to contact with questions.

Enhances communications between IDEC and USM and ensure that messages, updates, and information from all IDEC Committees are centralized and coordinated. In collaboration with the University’s Libraries, the committee gathers and curates resources supporting IDEC’s mission to share online and on campus with the community. The committee is also responsible for supporting the recruitment of new IDEC members.

For more information, please contact committee co-chairs: Brittney Smith and Andrea Tripp.

Serves as a resource for departments and programs on issues and policies involving the USM curriculum and pedagogy. Advocates for and supports the dissemination of best practices and policies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion through strategies such as curriculum audits, improvements, and other relevant initiatives. 


For more information, please contact committee co-chairs: Kristen Gleason and Clara Perka.

Increases the University’s ability to attract, hire, and retain a diverse workforce at USM, with a focus on full-time and part-time staff and faculty. 


For more information, please contact committee co-chairs: Netty Provost and Aaron Witham.

Works with students, faculty, and staff to understand how current policy or standing practices or procedures perpetuate systemic inequalities; research best practices for change, and make formal or informal policy recommendations; partners with departments, programs, or other appropriate units to identify opportunities to address systemic policy problems; responsible for maintaining and updating the IDEC bylaws. 

For more information, please contact committee co-chairs: Brandon Stewart and Hadriane Hatfield.

Responsible for planning and implementing programming to educate, engage, and empower the USM community in regards to IDEC’s mission and values. Create an equitable process for funding collaborative programming on campus. 

For more information or to express an interest in co-chairing this committee, please contact committee co-chair: Jennifer Major

Serves as a bridge between students and administration. Voices concerns and ideas from fellow students, especially those who are marginalized or oppressed. Works in service to students, IDEC and the USM community through outreach activities, collaborations, and advocacy. IDEC Student Fellows — the student advocates of IDEC — serve on this committee.

For more information, please contact Meghan Barrett or Idella Glenn.

The IDEC Steering Committee includes all committee co-chairs and is led by Dr. Idella Glenn, Vice President of Equity, Inclusion, and Community Impact. You can find all members of the Steering Committee on the IDEC People page.

Do you want to join an IDEC committee? New members are recruited at the start of the fall and spring semesters. Learn more about how to join IDEC.

Do you have an idea for an IDEC committee or project proposal?

Contact the IDEC Steering Committee