The Center for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is committed to creating and sustaining a welcoming and inclusive environment that embraces diversity and encourages dialog across differences to increase individual intercultural competence.
The office is responsible for overseeing the development of a strategic diversity and inclusion plan that draws upon partnerships with various University departments to address areas of education, training, advocacy and policy.
The Center for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion also engages and supports students through transformative experiences that enhance student learning, positively impact retention, and promote peace and justice in a constantly changing global society.
Programs and Services
- Diversity Training and Workshops
- Leadership Conferences and Initiatives
- Student Organization Advising
- Social justice education series
- Cross-cultural and intergroup dialogues
- Inclusion Council
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Defined
The definitions of diversity, equity and inclusion, as defined by the Association of American Colleges and Universities, guide us.
Diversity
Individual differences (e.g., personality, learning styles and life experiences) and group/social differences (e.g., race/ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, country of origin, and ability as well as cultural, political, religious or other affiliations).
Inclusion
The active, intentional and ongoing engagement with diversity — in people, in the curriculum, in the co-curriculum and in communities (intellectual, social, cultural, geographical) with which individuals might connect — in ways that increase one’s awareness, content knowledge, cognitive sophistication and empathic understanding of the complex ways individuals interact within [and change] systems and institutions.
Equity
The creation of opportunities for historically underrepresented populations to have equal access to and participate in educational programs that are capable of closing the achievement gaps in student success and completion.