Office for Diversity and Inclusion
Mission
The Office for Diversity and Inclusion promotes the core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion to cultivate a welcoming climate for College of Health and Human Development students, faculty, and staff members through direct student and administrative services, programming, and consultation. We are a part of a collective University-wide commitment that celebrates diversity and works to create a safe and inclusive environment.
Critical Functions
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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leadership: Diversity Strategic Planning, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leadership Council (DEILC); Facilitate Unit Diversity Committees; Membership University Equity Offices
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Academic Affairs: Provide consultancy and work directly with students, administration, faculty, staff and University support units to assist in reconciling undergraduate and graduate student issues
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Student Services: Collaborate with Center for Student Advising and Engagement; Advocacy for underrepresented populations; Personalized support for academic, financial, and career-related matters; Guidance and referrals to campus resources; Enrichment workshops for educational, professional, and cultural growth
- Student Recruitment: Undergraduate and Graduate Recruitment of underrepresented populations
Frequently Asked Questions
- What exactly does your office do?
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The Office for Diversity and Inclusion provides leadership to the College by serving as the focal point for the coordination, promotion and implementation of diversity, equity and inclusion. Fostering diversity is a strategic priority and fundamental value of the academic, outreach and human resources mission of the University. The Office organizes its strategic plan around the four goals from the Penn State Strategic Plan found in section “Our Commitment to Impact: Engaging Principles of Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity in the Strategic Plan 2020-2025.
Goal #1: Foster a culture of respect and inclusion that values the experiences and perspectives of faculty, staff, and students;
Goal #2 : Develop and implement curricula and scholarship that interrogate social issues and inspire social responsibility;
Goal #3: Evaluate and rectify organizational structures; policies, and practices that cause differential impact and limit access and opportunities for faculty, staff, and students at Penn State; and,
Goal #4: Recruit, support, and advance a diverse student body, faculty, and staff.
- Is there a certain population of students you serve? (First Generation, Low Income, Underrepresented Minority, and other Minoritized populations of undergrad, grad, etc.)
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Diversity is broadly defined by the College as "human differences". Therefore, the office supports all students in the college. However, there are targeted initiatives that support students who identify as underrepresented or with a marginalized community. These identified communities may include social class, disability, race, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, and sexual orientation.
- When is it appropriate to refer a student to your office? What is this process?
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You may refer a student to our office at any time. We provide a safe space for students to discuss their academic and individual experiences, whether positive or challenging. If a student is interested in forming community, have questions related to diversity and inclusion resources, having a challenge adjusting or experiencing issues related to bias, etc. Feel free to refer all students with the confidence they will receive support and/or referral as appropriate.
Key Related Resources
Student Affairs - Paul Robeson Cultural Center; Gender Equity Center; Center for Gender and Sexual Diversity; Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development; and Adult Learners.
Education Equity - Multicultural Resource Center; Student Disability Resource Center; and Office of Veterans Programs.
Penn State’s Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
English for Professional Purposes Intercultural Center (EPPIC)
Office for Graduate Educational Equity Programs
Office of Sexual Misconduct Prevention & Response (Title IX)
