Diversity and Inclusion

Inclusion. Equity. Respect.

The CALS Office of Diversity and Inclusion builds an environment where every student, faculty and staff member can reach his or her full potential.

Diversity is about more than just one element of a person’s identity like race, gender or ethnicity. People are members of multiple communities simultaneously and live varied layered identities. At the intersection of these identities is a unique individual that we welcome, respect and celebrate.

Learn more about our programs for CALS students, faculty and staff:

Diversity is what we say. Inclusion is what we do.

Dr. Alex Graves, director of the CALS Office of Diversity and Inclusion, discusses the services and programs ODI offers to every student, faculty and staff member on campus.

Support Diversity and Inclusion at CALS

We provide programs and engagement opportunities that acknowledge both our differences and our similarities and how they enhance our community. This work is helping us grow together through a shared appreciation of our diverse backgrounds and life experiences.

We hope you will consider making a gift to the CALS Diversity and Inclusion Fund to support our vital equity and inclusivity programs. Your contribution will help ensure all members of the CALS community are valued and fully engaged.

Make a Gift 

Signature Program Events

Opening Doors

Opening Doors is a three-day, overnight retreat that deepens participants’ awareness of diversity and enhances their ability to create inclusive organizations.

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Conversations That Matter

Conversations that Matter is a bi-monthly series that enhances diversity awareness and builds cultural competencies for faculty, staff and students in CALS as well as university-wide.

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CAALS 3-D

Creating Awareness of Agriculture and Life Sciences Disciplines, Degree Programs and Discoveries (CAALS) is a week-long summer camp targeting the most underrepresented minority groups in the CALS student population: African-American, Latinx and Native American males.

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cals diversity and inclusion news

More Diversity and Inclusion News

Juntos Connects With Students Through Virtual Academy

A program that usually brings middle school and high school students onto campus saw success online this summer. 

Working Toward a More Equitable Food System

For Shorlette Ammons and others who are part of the Committee on Racial Equity, a better understanding of race and racialization in our past and present food system is key to an equitable future. 

Alumna Designs and Donates Masks with Farmworker Safety in Mind

Designer Lisbeth Carolina Arias’ latest creation, colorful cloth masks, will help protect farmworkers in North Carolina through a partnership with NC State Extension.