Students at Zion's National ParkOffice of Equity & Inclusion

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners. We encourage our community members to make observations and inquiries through an intersectional lens. We celebrate diverse approaches and points of view. We believe diversity makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared to compete in a global society. We provide education and programming opportunities that promote understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We respect the rights of all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, ability, sexual orientation, veteran status, immigration status, gender identity, or gender expression.

 


Vision

We envision a Southern Utah University where all:

  • Believe that "diversity includes all of us, all the time".
  • Are equity-minded.
  • Unequivocally feel like they belong.

Mission

The Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) leads and supports strategic university-wide initiatives that build equity, strengthen and leverage diversity, and enhance inclusion and belonging for faculty, staff, and students at Southern Utah University.

Goals

Goal 1: Create a diverse, inclusive and equitable campus climate.
Goal 2: Recruit, retain and develop a diverse and inclusive campus community.
Goal 3: Support innovative and inclusive programs, teaching and scholarship.

Core Values

Southern Utah University’s goal is to provide the best educational experience in the Intermountain West. We are a community of learners striving to create an environment in which the dignity and rights of all people are respected. We promote academic and personal integrity; social justice, service, and success, by encouraging critical thinking, dialogue, and intentional engagement. To achieve this, the Office of Equity and Inclusion has developed the following core themes:

Inclusive Excellence

We believe that quality academic learning and unparalleled student experiences are inclusive and equitable. All of our work centralizes on our students' pathways to access, afford, advance, and complete their academic goals.

Equity

We believe in directly addressing disparities in underserved populations’ access to and success in education and employment opportunities due to systemic barriers. We understand and commit to recognizing and analyzing historic, persistent factors that have created an unequal higher education system.

Diversity

We define diversity broadly and believe that diverse communities, perspectives, and experiences enhance student learning and expands SUU's ability to positively impact marginalized communities.

Asset-based Thinking

We believe that every student has the ability to learn and that by focusing on students' assets, strengths, and opportunities we can ensure optimal learning and climates for all students, faculty, and staff.

Accountability

We believe that it is the responsibility of every SUU community member to be intentional in their efforts to learn about, engage with and implement equity-minded and transparent work, including critically reassessing our own practices.

Contact

The Office of Equity and Inclusion