Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Inclusive Excellence

HEED Award logoFor the 13th consecutive year, Millersville University received the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity Magazine. 


 Inclusive Excellence
A Working Definition 

  • A focus on student intellectual and social development. 

Academically, it means offering the best possible course of study for the context in which the education is offered.

  • A purposeful development and utilization of organizational resources to enhance student learning

Organizationally, it means establishing an environment that challenges each student to achieve academically at high levels and each member of the campus to contribute to learning and knowledge development. 

  • Attention to the cultural difference’s learners bring to the educational experience and that enhance the enterprise

Cultural differences include but are not limited to: race/ethnicity (e.g., Latino, Caucasian, Asian/Pacific Islander, African American, American Indian), religion, class, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, first language, physical and learning ability, and learning style.  

  • A welcoming community that engages all its diversity in the service of student and organizational learning. 

Inequities challenge higher education leaders to think deeply and more systematically about reducing disparities and meaningfully including diverse groups in higher education.

Inclusive Excellence encompasses the processes within Millersville University that purposefully values differences for the ultimate purpose of promoting the learning, critical thinking, and personal enrichment of students, faculty, and staff. It aims to build “a welcoming campus community” for all its students, faculty, and staff.

Inclusive Excellence recognizes diversity in thought, learning, and personal characteristics that can be tapped and understood in the working, living, and learning environments of the University. Inclusive Excellence enables us to engage in respectful dialogue with those who hold views that differ from our own; to engage in civil debate on key issues with others who hold different views and positions; and to socialize with persons who have had differing lived experiences. Also, in class, clinical, and field experience settings, Inclusive Excellence is addressed through ample opportunities to learn about diverse cultures locally, nationally, and globally.

Inclusive Excellence includes university protocols and policies for the admission and graduation of diverse students from racial and ethnic backgrounds, social backgrounds, and for the hiring and retention of faculty, administrators and staff with diverse experiences and perspectives. 

Through Inclusive Excellence experiences students can develop knowledge and personal abilities that may enhance their critical thinking, learning, and better enable them to meaningfully contribute to society as graduates of Millersville University.

The purpose of this definition is to provide departments with a guide to build an action plan to help the University address Strategic Direction 2 Transform Student Experiences and Foster Innovation Goal 3. 

If you or your department would like to engage in a conversation about how to build your action plan or another questions, please contact Carlos Wiley CDIO at carlos.wiley@millersville.edu.

 

21-Day Inclusive Excellence Challenge

Creating effective social equity habits, particularly those dealing with issues of power, privilege, supremacy and...

Are you up for the challenge?

21 Day Inclusive Excellence Challenge

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion has partnered with the McNairy Library to make the Inclusive Excellence List available to you. This is a great opportunity to expand your reading list and engage in thoughtful discussions. Books are available at the Library! View Anti-Racism booklist 

If you would like to participate in the 21 Day Inclusive Excellence Challenge, download the form here: 21 Day Inclusive Excellence Challenge

Welcome to the Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Visit us at 18 S. George Street, Millersville, PA - Washington House

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