At Elon University we seek an inclusive environment wherein differences are valued and integrated into every aspect of campus in order to prepare globally engaged citizens. We embrace diversity in its broadest sense, including, but not limited to, diversity of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic standing, and intellectual viewpoint. We recognize this work is continuous, multifaceted, and intersectional.
Boldly Elon, the university’s strategic plan for 2030, promotes a more diverse, equitable and inclusive community where all experience belonging and well- being. The previous strategic plan, the Elon Commitment, declared an unprecedented commitment to diversity and global engagement. As a result, Elon is measurably better across many dimensions and is more inclusive and representative of our world. This impressive progress has created a strong foundation for the critical work ahead.
Elon is home to a number of centers and offices dedicated to supporting equity and inclusive excellence, including the Center for Access and Success; Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education; Disabilities Resources; Gender & LGBTQIA Center; Isabella Cannon Global Education Center; and Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life.
Intercultural learning opportunities permeate all aspects of the undergraduate experience at Elon, both in and out of the classroom. Many of our residential learning communities, student committees and student organizations have themes related to diversity and inclusion, and our identity and global engagement offices host conferences annually that further engage the university community in this work.
Elon’s graduate programs have their own opportunities and initiatives to engage students in inclusive excellence while they pursue their postgraduate studies. Learn more about diversity, equity and inclusion within the School of Law, School of Health Sciences and other masters-level programs.
The university provides faculty and staff with a growing list of trainings and professional development opportunities surrounding inclusive excellence, from workshops to employee resource groups. The Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning also offers resources that specifically support inclusive teaching.
Learn more about diversity- and global engagement-focused academic programs such as the Black Lumen Project; the Center for the Study of Religion, Culture, and Society; the Center for Research on Global Engagement; Civic Engagement Scholars; Multifaith Scholars; and Project Pericles.
Led by alumni and supported by the Office of Alumni Engagement, Elon’s affinity networks unite and represent the interests of alumni who share common identities and connections, promote an inclusive environment and help raise financial resources for the university’s efforts. Networks are created as other affinity groups organize.
Learn about the efforts of the Elon University Board of Trustees to cultivate a more diverse, inclusive and equitable community, including its own Ad-hoc Working Group on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
The Division of Inclusive Excellence’s framework is upheld by three pillars: people, paradigm and praxis. Huemanity of People is a project that highlights the first pillar by celebrating the people, Elon’s students, alumni, faculty and staff, whose various identities strengthen our learning community. These stories capture the motivation of those contributing to Elon achieving Inclusive Excellence.
