Our Envisioned Future: CALS Inclusive Excellence

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is pleased to announce that the CALS Office of Diversity Affairs has changed its name to the CALS Office of Diversity and Inclusion to better reflect its purpose. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion’s mission to achieve inclusive excellence is aligned with the goals and objectives in the CALS Envisioned Future Strategic Plan. We recognize that no single unit, office or individual owns the creation of inclusive excellence.

Meaningful improvement in CALS’ diversity, equity and inclusion requires continued development of a college-wide culture of inclusive excellence among all of our people, partnerships, and programs. Research on topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion have often focused on policies and procedures. However, an individual’s assumptions, values, and beliefs are what accelerate or impede progress towards achieving inclusive excellence.

Moving CALS toward greater diversity, equity, and inclusion requires intentional and committed leadership. The CALS Office of Diversity and Inclusion in partnership with CALS Human Resources and CALS Leadership Programs is dedicated to charting the course towards inclusive excellence. We are building a learning culture where honest discussions involve family history, religion, class, gender, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity and generation, as the intersection of these identities shape an individual’s view of discrimination and inequity. Discussions based on our real experiences humanizes the need for change, builds relationships and produces deeper understanding among all.