Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Warm Welcome!
Our team is pleased to be a part of a collective, University-wide commitment that celebrates our diversity and is vigorously engaged in strengthening our mutual capacities to create an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment. - Nicole Webster, Associate Dean
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
The College of Health and Human Development embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values in both its mission and vision. Our goal is to empower a diverse generation of leaders and scholars who promote human health, development, and quality of life throughout the lifespan.
Through teaching, research, and outreach programs, we strive to communicate the importance of diversity to both College and community members. Diversity is broadly defined by the College as "human differences" including differences in age, social class, disability, race, ethnicity, immigrant status, gender, gender expression, religion, veteran status, and sexual orientation.
Land Acknowledgement
Land Acknowledgement
As part of the college of Health and Human Development's commitment to honor, recognize, and respect the Indigenous peoples and their connection to the land on which our college stands, we have established guidelines for using Penn State University's Land Acknowledgment Statement.
Review Acknowledgement
Student, Staff, & Faculty Resources
Student, Staff, & Faculty Resources
HHD is proud to support students, staff, and faculty with a myriad of resources to encourage best DEIB practices. It is a priority of our college to be mindful of how our diversity and inclusion initiatives affect all parts of community.
Browse Resources
Diversity-Focused Student Organizations
Diversity-Focused Student Organizations
The College of Health and Human Development is proud to host several organizations of interest, some of them with a focus and intent on increasing the support and success of diverse student populations.
Get Involved
DEIB Scholarship Opportunities
DEIB Scholarship Opportunities
Paying for your college education can be intimidating and in some cases, even confusing. There are many scholarships that benefit those with diverse backgrounds.
Discover Opportunities
Alumni Connections
Alumni Connections
The Office of Diversity & Inclusion is proud of our graduates! We welcome your engagement and stories, and home you can share your wisdom with our current students.
Submit or View Spotlights
Being a First-Generation Student
Being a First-Generation Student
About 1 in 4 currently enrolled Penn State undergrads identify as first-generation students. We work to promote student success among our first gens and spread awareness about the challenges they face.
Learn More
Minor in Diversity & Inclusion
Minor in Diversity & Inclusion
The Diversity & Inclusion in Health and Human Development minor helps students explore and understand the impacts that racial, ethnic, socioeconomic status, and cultural diversity have in our industries.
Minor in Diversity & Inclusion
Community Demographics
Community Demographics
In order to better understand where we are and how we can improve, the University maintains various demographical data on faculty, staff, and students.
View Our DemographicsOur Mission & Vision
The Office for Diversity and Inclusion promotes the core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion to cultivate a welcoming climate for the College of Health and Human Development's students, faculty, and staff through direct student and administrative services, programming, and consultation.
A thriving community where civility, respect, and inclusion are experienced by all members and the core values of diversity and equity are expressed broadly in our scholarly pursuits, educational practices, and aspirations to be engaged and contributing global citizens.
Check out our unit-specific diversity statement for each department!
History
The Office for Diversity and Inclusion was originally named the Office for Minority Affairs and then renamed the Office for Diversity Enhancement. The office was founded in 1986, making it among one of the first offices dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion at Penn State University Park. Since our inception, we have created initiatives to support the students, faculty, and staff in the College of Health and Human Development.
Penn State Statement of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Office for Diversity and Inclusion in the College of Health and Human Development fully supports Penn State's Statement on Belonging.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.
At Penn State:
- We will foster and maintain a safe environment of respect and inclusion for faculty, staff, students, and members of the communities we serve.
- We will educate our faculty, staff, and students to be social justice advocates, creatively providing curricula, programs, and environments that reflect the diversity of our communities, and elevate cultural awareness.
- We will ensure fair and inclusive access to our facilities, programs, resources, and services, and ensure that all of our policies and practices are inclusive and equitable.
- We will advance and build our workforce by assessing hiring practices and performance review procedures to attract, retain, and develop talented faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds.
- We will address intergroup disparities in areas such as representation, retention, learning outcomes, and graduation rates.
We are open for in-person or virtual appointments. Additionally, we have a Student Center, where you can do your homework, build community with your peers, meet with our staff, or just take a short break.
