Diversity, equity, and inclusion are the core of who we are. We want to highlight our commitments not just to these ideologies, but to the actions that lead to the creation of diverse learning environments. We recognize that a community or institution’s success is dependent on how well it values, engages, and includes the rich diversity of students, staff, faculty, administrators, and alumni constituents.
Inclusive Excellence is a change-oriented planning process that encourages us to continue in our diversification efforts with a greater intentionality and attentiveness to how they serve the needs of our campus community. The Inclusive Excellence framework is informed by a well-established body of empirical research as to the institutional contexts, practices, and cultures that contribute to the establishment of a diverse learning environment. The name change better represents a shift not in the essence of our work but how we approach it and carry it out. Our goal is to actively manage diversity as a vital and necessary asset of collegiate life rather than as an external issue or problem.
The Office of Inclusive Excellence is responsible for coordinating and monitoring Gonzaga University’s efforts to institutionalize the culture of equity, inclusion, and belonging university-wide, which is critical for providing the learning and working environment necessary for achieving excellence in today’s rapidly changing world. We collaborate with academic and administrative offices to create strategies that empower members of the campus community – whether faculty, students, or staff – to achieve their full potential, divested of barriers to advancement based on systemic barriers, stereotypes and bias. We promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and integrate inclusive excellence into all facets of university operations.
