by Amanda Ayres ’26 and Ava La Bruno ’27 on October 30, 2025
News
On Tuesday, Oct. 21, Student Congress was pleased to welcome Simone Tubman ’14, the Assistant Vice President for Institutional Diversity and Equity Compliance, and Title VI and Title IX Coordinator, within the Office of Equity Compliance (OEC). She is a proud alumna of Providence College and is committed to PC and “its success in advancing social justice, equity, access, and inclusivity.”
Tubman described her work as a key role in shaping the campus community. A huge aspect of her work focuses on maintaining an environment where students, faculty, and staff are treated with respect, as we are created in the image and likeness of God. She said this was a legal obligation, as well as a moral obligation. The legal aspect of her work focuses on institutional compliance. She ensures that PC is compliant with Title VI and Title IX, meets expectations of policies on discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, and has the appropriate mechanisms in place to address complaints. Tubman wanted us to know that there is a person behind the computer in the OEC office, and she keeps a strict 24-hour response time goal for herself.
The other aspect of her office’s work is more student-facing. Tubman emphasized how she is a resource to all students, and the OEC is a hub for resources and support for those with concerns about things like bias and discrimination. She does work with campus partners to implement culturally relevant prevention education training and student engagement opportunities.
Tubman shared that a new initiative this year is SPEEC: Students Promoting Equity, Education, and Compliance. It is focused on leadership development, intercultural engagement, and collaborative program design. The first cohort has begun with opportunities to join the initiative, opening in the spring. Additionally, there will be a speaker series focused on words and how they can affect the community, coming soon.
When asked how we as students can promote the Office of Equity Compliance’s work, she said the best way is to “share and attend, connect and collaborate, feedback and suggest.” She urged Student Congress, as student leaders, to set an example and attend both the passive and educational events the office hosts throughout the year.
As for the rest of the meeting, the recommendation regarding the inclusion of General Chemistry I and II in the neuroscience major requirements passed. Amendments to the Student Congress Constitution regarding the establishment of the Subcommittee on Safety, Security, and Transportation and the renaming of a subcommittee to the Subcommittee on Residence Life and Physical Plant. Additionally, the Theology Club was proposed.
This was our first meeting since our annual retreat, and spirits were very high. After an enjoyable weekend on Cape Cod, Student Congress is ready to continue to reach new heights.