Department Diversity & Inclusion Statements
Our Commitment to Diversity
The college's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is demonstrated through collaborative initiatives, research, course curriculum, and outreach events. We embrace diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging as core values in both 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.
The Dean’s Office seeks to foster a culture of respect and inclusion and to offer programs and environments that promote diversity and the acceptance of differences.
DEIB Statements from HHD Academic Departments
To foster an inclusive climate within the college, each department has a diversity and inclusion committee, comprised of faculty, staff, and students. The committees work to identify areas in their respective units that will enhance the diversity of scholarly achievement and workplace climate. Below are statements from departments on fostering diversity.
Biobehavioral Health
Biobehavioral Health strives to promote a climate of respect and fairness. We work together to discuss issues that inhibit our implementation of the highest standards for diversity, equity and inclusion and we aspire toward a community free of racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, religious intolerance, and expressions of hate, bigotry and prejudices.
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Communication Sciences and Disorders is committed to the promotion and enhancement of the diversity of the CSD undergraduate and graduate student body. Our department aligns strongly with Penn State's core values of diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from students from underrepresented groups. We adhere to the Statement for Equitable Treatment in all interactions. In addition, we have identified key issues to address in support of diversity and equity within the CSD community.
Health Policy and Administration
Health Policy and Administration Diversity Committee aims to work in partnership with program stakeholders, students, faculty, staff, and alumni to inform and support learning. Our goal is to discover and disseminate new knowledge and scholarship, informed by historical and systemic barriers to health equity while working to inform efforts to eliminate health disparities in all settings. We endeavor to create and sustain a learning environment where future leaders can recognize and acknowledge inequity in the US healthcare system. In so doing, our goal is to equip future leaders with the knowledge and the training to transform the health system into one of inclusion, equity, and cultural safety for all.
Human Development and Family Studies
The Department of Human Development and Family Studies is committed to encouraging and fostering an environment in which every member of our community can flourish, by opening conversations and creating opportunities to promote understanding, respect, and growth. The HDFS Committee for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) works diligently to foster equity in the department, seeking feedback from community members and organizing additional learning opportunities as we work toward greater inclusion. Additionally, a number of department faculty, staff, and graduate students are part of Penn State's Safer People, Safer Places network, and are available as a resource for the LGBTQ+ community.
Kinesiology
The Department of Kinesiology recognizes that racism, gender inequality, and systemic barriers to advancement for minority or marginalized groups exist within academic institutions. To address these problems and affirm our commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, we seek to create a community that is diverse, inclusive, and equitable in terms of race, gender, sexual identity and orientation, ability, access, and country of origin. It is only through valuing a diversity of opinions, perspectives, and backgrounds that we can achieve our goals of excellence in teaching and scholarship while maintaining an environment that is safe and welcoming for all our faculty, staff, and students.
Nutritional Sciences
Nutritional Sciences Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee has a number of ongoing projects, including: learning tables, recruiting diverse colloquium speakers, updating curriculum, and hosting a DEI book club.
Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management
Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment that embraces diversity and is free of discrimination, including harassment. The DEI&B Committee in the Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management is dedicated to creating an inclusive department in which everyone feels welcome and respected. We encourage and support the development of cultural awareness and intercultural sensitivity by providing opportunities for positive intergroup dialogues and celebrating diversity in our office environment, classrooms, and communities.
School of Hospitality Management
The School of Hospitality Management celebrates diversity and the international aspects of its programs. The School of Hospitality Management DEI&B Committee is made up of teaching faculty, graduate faculty, and staff who work to ensure that all members of the SHM and PSU community feel included and like they belong. The committee works to increase representation of individuals from a wide array of diverse backgrounds throughout the school and provides resources and guidance to faculty and staff about how to make our classrooms, student organizations, and overall school more welcoming and inclusive to all members of the community.
