Inclusive Excellence

At the center of a diverse community with more than 57,000+ students and thousands of faculty and staff members, Student Affairs is committed to fostering a climate of respect, tolerance, and free exchange of ideas.

We strive to create an atmosphere and institutional culture that is welcoming to all individuals, inclusive of their race, ethnicity, religion, spirituality, gender, gender identity/expression, age, sexual orientation, ability/disability, socioeconomic class, and national origin. Therefore, Student Affairs commits to the following:

We will create a welcoming environment.

  • Enhance, develop, and maintain structures and services committed to diversity.
  • Build cross-cultural relationships that bridge traditional campus boundaries.
  • Respect spaces that allow for the support and development of specific identities and communities.
  • Solicit feedback frequently and respond to the various needs of students and other stakeholders.

We will contribute to the cultural education of students.

  • Encourage students to examine their responsibilities in a multicultural society.
  • Engage students in experiences that educate them about the value of their history and perspectives while inviting them to learn more about the histories and perspectives of others.
  • Provide services that offer students opportunities to build relationships that cross cultural boundaries.

We will recognize and develop staff's cultural understanding.

  • Engage in self-reflection to foster a deeper understanding of the experiences and perspectives of others.
  • Challenge each other to engage in meaningful dialogue with colleagues and students to create a campus climate of respect and fairness.
  • Provide and participate in regular professional development to enhance our abilities to serve a diverse student body and campus community.

Learn about the Inclusive Excellence Steering Committee.

Mapping Inclusive Excellence Across the Division

The Student Affairs Inclusive Excellence committee is undertaking a process that will allow us to map our formal services, programs, and roles relating specifically to training and development opportunities and overall inclusive excellence programming happening with your units.

Divisional mapping will allow us to clarify what and where programs, services and training are offered as well as determine where potential opportunities for collaboration exist. The findings of this process will contribute to the development of actionable priorities. Please share the inclusive excellence services, training and programs in your area by February 12, 2025.

Complete the Mapping Form
Training Event

Student Affairs Inclusive Excellence Symposium

The symposium will feature the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Student Affairs professionals who have or in the process of presenting innovative and practical ideas and programs that will support the continued development of our welcoming environment and highlight varying contributions to the cultural education of students and staff. We can’t wait to see you there.

Date: Thursday, April 17, 2025
Location: Illini Union Second Floor

For further information, please contact Ashley Dye at adye@illinois.edu or Kimberly Alexander-Brown @ kalexand@illinois.edu.

Open to students, faculty and staff
Submit a Proposal to Present Register to Attend
Training Program

Inclusive Hiring at Illinois

Inclusive Hiring at Illinois is a training program for search committees and others involved in employee recruitment efforts. It consists of a series of modules that provide each user with knowledge and skills directly relevant to their role in the recruitment and hiring process. For most search committee members, the training will take about one hour to complete. EEO officers, vice chairs, diversity advocates, and hiring managers will have additional modules geared toward their roles and duties. 

Learn more about Inclusive Hiring at Illinois
Training Program

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training

The values of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) not only contribute to a positive and respectful working environment, but also foster innovation, creativity and a wider range of perspectives to help organizations achieve even greater success. Check out the training programs offered via LinkedIn Learning regularly for new opportunities to continue your DEIs journey.

(Free; University login required)
Explore DEI training on LinkedIn Learning
Training Program

DEI&B Certificate Program

The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Certificate Program provides a robust experience for all University of Illinois System employees to engage in meaningful discussions, activities, curriculum and projects to promote and support DEI&B. The program aims to educate about DEI&B topics, train individuals to be DEI&B allies and advocates and provide resources.

Learn more about the DEI&B Certificate Program
Funding Opportunity

Inclusive Excellence Grant

The Inclusive Excellence grant is awarded to a program or project that inspires learning related to social justice, diversity, equity, inclusion or belonging.

For FY25, the following units were awarded grants.

  • $2000 – OSCR and Connie Frank CARE Center – Caitlin Kay and Liz Wilson
  • $1500 – NAH and WRC – Charlotte Davidson and Kasey Umland
  • $1500 – Civic Life and University Housing – January Boten, Gina Lee Olukoya, and Medra Roberts-Sutherland (funds will fund the Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee)

Additional Programs

Follow these links to find out more about some of our programs: