DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Diversity celebrates difference—of race, gender, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, political beliefs and more. Inclusion promotes a sense of belonging that empowers others—valuing and practicing respect for the talents, beliefs and backgrounds of all its members. And equity engages everyone—allowing people with marginalized identities an equal opportunity to grow, contribute and develop.
In the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, DEI includes set of interrelated goals embedded in the University’s Augustinian mission and realized in three primary areas—first, the diversity of our students, staff, faculty and administration; second, the environment we cultivate inviting others to be a real part of our community; and third, the courses, programs and professional opportunities we offer that provide the students, staff, faculty and administration an intercultural experience.
Commitment to DEI
Consistent with the University’s Mission Statement and the new Core Curriculum in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, students will take at least two courses designated as “diversity.” Learning to see through the eyes of other peoples and cultures is essential to becoming a citizen of the world. Beyond introducing students to the contextual study of diverse groups, diversity education must foster understanding of how individuals are affected within systems of power, oppression, deprivation, marginalization and privilege.
In addition to the College's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, each department within the college has its own diversity committee, comprising of faculty, staff and students.