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Western Campus

Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity & Justice

Building a campus culture of inclusive excellence.

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Our university has a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive community at Western. Through ongoing education, attention to cultural differences and a focus on social and intellectual growth, we strive to provide a healthy and supportive academic environment for all students, faculty and staff.

Our Commitment

Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity & Justice

Our commitment to DEIJ+ at Western.

Western Colorado University takes a firm and unyielding stance in support of diversity, inclusivity, scientific inquiry and creative expression. We believe these principles are necessary for the free and open inquiry that defines our role as a public institution in a democratic society. We acknowledge that these values are also a moral imperative requiring constant vigilance and a firm stance against actions motivated by hate or intimidation. The university welcomes people of color, people with disabilities, people of all genders and orientations, people of all religious preferences, immigrants and refugees regardless of national origin or ethnicity and other underrepresented communities regardless of socioeconomic class. We actively seek to build a civil and respectful culture which affirms these principles in all that we do.

Developing tomorrow’s leaders

From cybersecurity experts to social workers and teachers, Western Colorado University graduates become preeminent and culturally literate leaders in their fields.

Where education meets inclusion

From orientation to graduation and beyond, we strive to build an educational environment that respects and celebrates the identities and experiences of all students.

DEIJ+ Committee Charge

Western’s DEIJ+ Committee exists to translate our diversity statement into meaningful action.

The Board of Trustees endorsed our Statement on Diversity and Inclusion. It was also authored and adopted by the Faculty Senate, with the ultimate goal of building a campus culture of inclusive excellence.

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Inclusive Excellence

poetry

What is inclusive excellence?

  • A focus on student intellectual and social growth.
  • The development and use of Western’s resources to enhance student learning.
  • An attention to the cultural differences students bring to Western.
  • Fostering a welcoming community that engages its diversity in student and organizational learning.

Language matters

Words, and the vocabularies they comprise, are essential to communicating openly and honestly.

Guiding Definitions

Defining the pillars of DEIJ+.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity are the pillars of our commitment to the Western community. Discover how these terms are translated into meaningful action below.

Creating an educational environment that honors the entities, experiences and intersectionality of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, physical abilities, intellectual abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs and ideologies.

Understanding where people are coming from and working to ensure fair access to opportunities, services, funding and resources.

Promoting fair, safe, healthy, open and supportive engagement among a diverse community.

Yo Soy Western - "I am Western"

News & Research

Dr. Holly Norton has a discussion with a woman while sitting at a table.

State Archeologist Holly Norton visits Western to talk about Indian Boarding Schools

Read More about State Archeologist Holly Norton visits Western to talk about Indian Boarding Schools
Representation and Resources on Campus

Representation and Resources on Campus

Read More about Representation and Resources on Campus
Natalie performs during a theatre show

Pride Month, Tokenism, and Being Queer at Western

Read More about Pride Month, Tokenism, and Being Queer at Western
A group of students pose next to a bookshelf

Queer library has a home at Western

Read More about Queer library has a home at Western
Students conducting research in the field

Western Receives Research & Education Grant from Department of Energy

Read More about Western Receives Research & Education Grant from Department of Energy
Speaker presenting on screen at Latin American Topics event

The 5th Annual Conference of Latin-American and Hispanic Topics

Read More about The 5th Annual Conference of Latin-American and Hispanic Topics
business students holding $5,000 prize check

Western Dominates Rocky Mountain Investment Challenge

Read More about Western Dominates Rocky Mountain Investment Challenge
Western students plan Diversity Week

Western students plan Diversity Week

Read More about Western students plan Diversity Week

Additional Resources

Informational DEIJ+ Resources for Faculty, Staff and Students

We’ve compiled a list of digital resources to help you better understand the complex issues that people from diverse populations face as well as learn how you can be a better ally.

Learn More

Take the Next Step

Apply to
Western
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Apply to
Western

We understand that applying to a university can be daunting, which is why we make our admission process as simple and straightforward as possible. Learn more about applying to your program of choice at Western.

Visit
Western
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Visit
Western

The best way to find out what makes Western such a special place is to experience it for yourself. Our student-led tours give you an insider’s perspective on everything from academics to student life.

Alumni
Community
A group of four alumni look at an old photo that one of them picked up from a selection of photos that were printed and laid out for the Ski Team Social event.

Alumni
Community

We keep the Mountaineer spirit going strong within our alumni community. Whether getting together with friends at an annual event, making a donation or mentoring a student, graduates continue to play an important role in the Western community.

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Want to discover more about Western? Request information today to get in touch with the admissions team.