Creating Space for Transformation
Student Affairs enriches the Illinois experience for all 50,000+ students who work, live and learn on campus at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. We are dedicated to providing a safe, welcoming environment for everyone. This commitment to inclusive excellence extends to the continued development of our staff members who serve across the division of Student Affairs.
In spring 2025, the Inclusive Excellence Steering Committee held the inaugural Student Affairs Inclusive Excellence symposium (SAIE) at the Illini Union. Anchored by the mission, vision and values outlined in the 2021-2026 strategic plan, the committee co-created the symposium in alignment with their shared goal: “to foster a just, inclusive and fair campus environment where everyone in the Illinois community is treated equitably."
Throughout the symposium, Student Affairs professionals presented innovative and practical ideas for programs that support the diverse community of practitioners on campus, while also highlighting varying contributions to the continued cultural education of students and staff.
Reflecting Diverse Needs of Our Community
Committee member Ashley Dye, Director for Fraternity & Sorority Affairs, served on the Training and Development subcommittee, as well as the SAIE planning committee. She shared her thoughts about the experience below.
Describe your experience planning the Inclusive Excellence Symposium in three words.
“Collaborative. Enlightening. Fun.”
How can people get involved with—and support—the Student Affairs Inclusive Excellence Committee? What resources are available?
“Staff in Student Affairs can support the Inclusive Excellence Committee in a few different ways! From their own desk, at any time, staff can peruse the SAIE website and look over the framework, terminology definitions and training opportunities. Perhaps the best way that staff can support the Inclusive Excellence Committee though, is by infusing Inclusive Excellence into their daily work. That will look differently depending on your role and responsibilities, but I truly hope that all staff can see themselves in the framework our committee has outlined and begin to envision what Inclusive Excellence may look like for them personally. Lastly, staff should plan on participating in our next Inclusive Excellence Symposium…either as a presenter or participant! Stay tuned for more information to come on the date for that event.”
How do you practice inclusivity in your work?
“I am fortunate to work with a diverse student and alumni population that are members, leaders and stakeholders of the Illinois fraternity and sorority community. Prioritizing building relationships with culturally based and historically underrepresented organizations is important to me. Looking at all of our policies, procedures and programs through an inclusive lens is paramount so that we can ensure they reflect the diverse needs of our community. Fraternity & Sorority Affairs works to support a fraternity and sorority community that values belonging and access for all members.”
Making Every Voice Feel Valued
Director Kimberly Otchere and Assistant Director Dave Arnold, from University Housing’s Inclusion & Talent Development unit, presented a session about planned approaches to building employee capacity at the symposium. Their team provides development, training and strategic leadership resources to staff members. Inclusion & Talent Development leads Housing’s efforts around equity, diversity and inclusion through the design of strategic initiatives and development experiences.
In the responses below, Kim and Dave collectively shared about how inclusive excellence informs their work.
Describe your experience presenting at the Inclusive Excellence Symposium in three words.
“Empowering, reflective, inspiring.”
How do you practice inclusivity in your work?
“In Inclusion and Talent Development within University Housing, we practice inclusivity by intentionally considering whose voices are present and whose are missing in every conversation, program, and decision. We strive to create environments where people feel seen, respected, and supported. We regularly seek feedback to better understand the needs of our community and commit to ongoing learning to avoid assumptions and promote equitable outcomes across our department.”
How do we work together toward inclusive excellence at Illinois?
“We work together toward inclusive excellence by actively listening to one another, challenging inequities in our systems and policies, and fostering environments where every voice feels valued. At Illinois, this means committing to continuous learning, cross-campus collaboration, and creating spaces that affirm and support diverse identities.”
Future Engagement Opportunities
In fiscal year 2025, the Inclusive Excellence grant was awarded to programs or projects that inspire learning related to social justice, diversity, equity, inclusion or belonging. For updates about engagement opportunities for fiscal year 2026, please visit the Student Affairs Inclusive Excellence webpage.
