Office for Diversity and Inclusion

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.

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.

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.