Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Strength of a Diverse Community and the Power of an Inclusive Culture

Excelsior University values students, instructors, employees, and all members of its worldwide community, and actively develops practices and policies that promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Excelsior strives to integrate the dynamic concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of the University, including through the recruitment and retention of students, faculty, and staff who reflect the society in which we live; curriculum development and academic advising; the delivery of services; the encouragement of volunteerism among our faculty, staff, and alumni; and participation in educational programs, training, cultural events, celebrations, and other awareness activities.

Diversity is acknowledging the uniqueness of individuals and respecting our differences as well as acknowledging the visible and invisible differences that are manifested in our thinking, beliefs, and behaviors. These differences include, but are not limited to, race; color; ethnicity; sex; age; gender; sexual orientation; religious beliefs; pregnancy and family status; socioeconomic status; national origin; first language; physical, cognitive, and mental abilities; and military, veteran, employment, and academic status.
 
At Excelsior, respecting diversity is about celebrating individual differences and incorporating multifaceted perspectives into business operations and the educational experience. Consideration for the needs of our diverse stakeholders is manifested by cross-university participation on the President’s Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with representation on university councils and in an online academic setting that has incorporated global understanding as a general education career competency.
Equity is providing the unique combination of treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement that we need for full participation and agency. This includes eliminating barriers for all, with emphasis on historically underserved and underrepresented populations, from access, opportunities, advancement, or success. Assistance may include, but is not limited to, providing accommodations and support for educational resources, academic guidance, time, finances, language, transportation, and technology.
 
At Excelsior, creating an equitable environment includes an operational governance function that is shared and collaborative, providing an opportunity to for all stakeholders to contribute. A robust platform for virtual attendance and contribution minimizes barriers for committee participation. Excelsior University is committed to the principle that every individual should have an equal opportunity to enroll in an Excelsior University degree program, to demonstrate their knowledge and skills under appropriate conditions, and to complete a degree.
Inclusion is incorporating and cultivating a representation of a diverse group of individuals, especially historically underserved and underrepresented populations, in meetings, conversations, activities, committees, policy making, task forces, and classes where every voice is heard and valued. We expect the engagement of everyone so a sense of belonging can be promoted and sustained. We respect everyone’s inherent worth and dignity so we can all achieve our highest potential.
 
At Excelsior, inclusion is about leveraging these differences and maximizing individual contributions in a way that enhances organizational effectiveness. We celebrate our commonalities and the cultural experiences and resources that sustain our competitive advantage and enhance our community. Here, contrasting viewpoints represent learning opportunities; commitment to cooperation and inclusion leads to the common good; and diverse individuals work in cooperation with one another as responsible citizens in a learning community to achieve positive outcomes.

Excelsior University proactively:

  • Recruits and retains students, faculty, and staff who reflect the diverse society in which we live.
  • Develops program curricula that incorporate global perspectives.
  • Infuses diversity, equity, and inclusion into the curricula of all courses and the course development process
  • Encourages and financially supports volunteerism among faculty, staff, and alumni.
  • Participates in and hosts educational programs, cultural events, and other celebrations and awareness-raising activities.

COMMON READ

Excelsior University’s Common Read program invites students, alumni, faculty, and staff to participate in a shared reading experience. Common Read engages the Excelsior community to examine and better understand topics such as diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice through many perspectives.

Book selections and discussion details are posted throughout the year.