Commitment to Diversity

The Department of Communication is committed to sustaining a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that intersecting social identities such as race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender expression, sexuality, class, disability, and religion enrich our intellectual environment. We are especially committed to increasing the representation of those populations that have been historically excluded from participation in U.S. higher education and the discipline of Communication in particular. We endeavor to identify and eliminate the structures that have systemically obstructed the access and success of underserved groups. We seek to foster belonging for all members of our academic community. To that end, we have outlined the following goals, as well as short- and long-term objectives for achieving equity and inclusion in the department community.

Department of Communication Diversity & Inclusion Goals

The Department of Communication’s diversity and inclusion goals are designed to increase the inclusion of cultural differences in the department community (undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and staff) in order to improve the intercultural competence and communication abilities therein.  The following points represent both short-term and long-term objectives, with the overarching aim of pursuing inclusivity and equity as general elements of the departmental experience had by all.  They are based on several rounds of reflection, research, and discussion involving various stakeholders, and interested parties, and should be routinely updated.

• Curriculum and Instruction
  • Promote and bolster online education opportunities for those with non-traditional student experiences and living circumstances.
  • Expand and promote diversity-intensive course offerings in the department.
  • Promote instruction methods and materials that emanate from a diverse set of scholars and experiences.
  • Maintain a broad array of metrics of evaluation and assessment to promote inclusive learning.
  • Contest the stigma surrounding accommodations for those with anxiety and learning concerns.
• Community Engagement and Outreach
  • Articulate the benefits of the study of communication to under-represented and marginalized communities.
  • Maintain relationships with institutions serving under-represented communities.
  • Encourage and facilitate diverse identity organizations within the department.
  • Conduct research on issues of importance to under-represented and marginalized communities.
• Department Climate
  • Foster enhanced accessibility in departmental spaces.
  • Bring regular awareness to our biases as they relate to recruitment of students and faculty.
  • Facilitate official mentorship opportunities for undergraduate students.
  • Sustain opportunities for those still getting established in the department to congregate and feel welcomed.
  • Maintain proactive strategies for recruiting and retaining students and faculty to foster a diverse and inclusive community.