Student Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (SDEI)
In alignment with the Whitworth University mission, the Office of Student Diversity, Equity & Inclusion supports historically underrepresented students, advocates for equity and inclusion, and provides educational opportunities to increase intercultural development.
Belonging at Whitworth University
The Belonging Initiative at Whitworth University is designed to create a campus environment that enables every student to feel connected to the Whitworth University experience. Belonging encourages connection to peers, assists in the development of building meaningful relationships, and supports students to find their voices as they flourish in an environment of respect and encouragement. A “sense of belonging” has been identified as a universal and fundamental human need.
SDEI Learning Outcomes
Students who engage with the office of student diversity, equity & inclusion can expect to learn and be developed in the following ways.
1. Deepen self-awareness
- Students will deepen their self-awareness of their cultural and social identities. By reflecting on themselves, students will develop a stronger sense of critical thinking, agency, motivation and authenticity.
2. Learn to value and respect differences
- Students will increase their knowledge of the lived experiences, history and culture of the various dimensions of difference. By engaging with differences, students will increase their capacity for curiosity, openness, empathy and cultural humility.
3. Develop and sustain meaningful connections; equip for college navigation
- Students will develop personal and leadership skills to develop and sustain meaningful connections with peers, staff/faculty, and the larger community. By fostering purposeful relationships, students co-create their sense of belonging, community and connectedness.
- Students will gain skills and become resource literate to navigate college successfully. By equipping first-generation college and international students with resources and mentorship, equity gaps in persistence and graduation will shrink.
4. Act for inclusive humanity
- Students will recognize individuals’ and social membership groups’ historical and contemporary interactions with power, privilege and oppression, domestically and globally. By understanding inequity and other systems, students will personally and collectively pursue inclusion and equity in order to serve humanity.
Belonging Resources:
Sense of Belonging: Changing Institutions, Not Just Individuals
Three Ways to Help College Students Build a Sense of Belonging that Supports Their Success
Report: Belonging a Key Factor in Student Retention
The Power of Belonging – With Terrell Strayhorn, Ph.D.