Division for Justice & Inclusion

A Welcome from the Vice President for Inclusivity

The Division for Justice & Inclusion welcomes you to Western Colorado University, a place where you are inherently worthy. As you embark on your academic journey as a student, and/or your professional career as a faculty and/or staff, we aim to support you while at Western and beyond. As the lead department of the division, the Office of Inclusivity, supports all students, staff and faculty through addressing inequity, inequality, bias, and systemic oppression through micro, mezzo, and macro level strategies. Our work is crucial for the future of our students, our workforce, Gunnison Valley and essentially the world. Through a trans-disciplinary model, the Office works closely with University partners to ensure that everyone at Western not only feel that they belong, but ultimately know that they belong. Welcome to Western where transformative change is our aim.

– Steven D. Parker, Vice President for Inclusivity

Vision

Our vision is to ground the whole of Western in the principle of the inherent worth of all. The foundation of this vision is rooted in the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice plus.

Priorities and Projects

Pathfinder Bear on a vibrant summer day.

Priorities

The Office of Inclusivity establishes priorities aligned with Western’s mission, institutional needs, and strategic plan. Our current priorities are to:

Build sustainable and trustworthy relations with the Ute Nations,
Enrich the Western experience and improve well-being for students, faculty and staff, and
Build capacity for institutional DEIJ+ infusion

Projects
With courage, growth, inclusivity, integrity, and stewardship at the forefront, the Office of Inclusivity engages in projects to advance the mission of the university.

Fiscal year 2023 projects:

Policy review
Restorative justice micro-grant
Divisional institutionalization plan
Indigenous land back and land acknowledgement initiative
2SLGBTQIA+ scholarship funding
Translation and interpretation services plan

Divisional Areas

The Division for Justice & Inclusion includes three offices and three centers. The Office of Inclusivity, Equal Employment Opportunity & Affirmative Action Office, Restorative Justice & Title IX Office, Multicultural Center, Center for Civil Rights, and the Center for Dis/Ability & Accommodations. Each area provides a unique scope that supports the advancement of justice and inclusivity at Western.

Center for Civil Rights

Several students walk toward Taylor Hall on a summer day

The Center for Civil Rights holds both the Equal Employment Opportunity & Affirmative Action Office as well as the Restorative Justice & Title IX Office. Through its work, the Center for Civil Rights is taking measures to diversify Western’s workforce and student body while ensuring the civil rights of all members of the mountaineer community are protected.

Visit the Center for Civil Rights

Center for Dis/Ability & Accommodations

Western Student Studying in the Rady Building.

The Center for Dis/Ability & Accommodations is committed to helping students with diverse abilities thrive in their academic and personal environments at Western. The Center works with students on a case-by-case basis to create individually-tailored plans that provide them with the resources they need to excel and offers guidance on the legal, personal, and academic considerations they may need to take into account as students with diverse abilities. The Center places a special focus on empathy, encouragement, and growth, making it a place where students feel empowered as learners and members of the Western community.

Visit the Center for Dis/Ability and Accommodation

Multicultural Center

Western’s Multicultural Center (MCC) is an on-campus space where all students are welcome and are encouraged to celebrate cultural and ethnic diversity and learn from the perspectives of their peers. In addition, the MCC houses four diversity-focused, student-run clubs: Amigos, Asian Pacific Islanders Club, Black Student Alliance Native American Student Council, and Polynesian Dance and Chant Club.

Visit the Multicultural Center

Vice President for Inclusivity

Steven D. Parker

Vice President for Inclusivity

Executive Assistant

Sukhi Bains

Executive Assistant for Administration

Contact Information

970.943.2232

inclusivity@western.edu

8 a.m. - 5 p.m., M-F

Campus Location

Taylor Hall 301

Take the Next Step

Students pose for a photo on top of Mount Crested Butte in the summer

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.

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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.

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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.

A few students pose for a photo behind the Multicultural Center table at the Admitted Student Day Club Fair.

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