Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity
Building a campus culture of inclusive excellence.
Scroll to bottom of sectionOur 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
Our commitment to DEI 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.
DEI Committee Charge
Western’s DEI 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.
Inclusive Excellence
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 DEI.
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
Additional Resources
Informational DEI 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.
Take the Next Step
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
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
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.
Request Information
Want to discover more about Western? Request information today to get in touch with the admissions team.