DUS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We welcome everyone to our community.
David Smith
Associate Dean for Advising and Executive Director
Hear from our staff...
What are you doing to become more culturally competent?
I regularly attend professional development, engage in conversations with students to learn more about their experiences, as well as read articles.
Reading, listening, observing.
I am applying to graduate schools that offer multicultural counseling and social justice issues courses. I am also researching how we can make DUS's social media presence more accessible to those who are visually impaired.
I engage in some academic research as part of my work about the lives and experiences of people whose backgrounds are different from my own. Another more leisurely way I try to become more culturally competent is by watching the PBS News Hour and 60 Minutes, news programs that often include great stories about the lives of diverse people across the globe.
Student Spotlights
As a college student transitioning into adulthood, I believe it is imperative to involve yourself within your community to ensure that you are an asset by being able to work well with people of all levels and by being a leader with a diverse background. From my involvement in the Penn State community, I have a seat at the table and I use my voice to provide ideas to enhance the college experience, holistically, for students of color and to provide sustainable solutions for issues that students of color may face.
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I believe all viewpoints should be heard and that everyone should feel like they can contribute and feel like they belong.
Read morePartnerships
Connect to the multicultural coordinators in each college.
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Multicultural & Special Interest Organizations
Join one of over 70 multicultural student orgs.
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First-Generation College Students
Connect to 1st gen students, professionals, and advocates.
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Student Stories
Hear from our students; do you see yourself in their stories?
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Community & Belonging
There are many ways to be a Penn Stater. Let us help you build your community.
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Connect With Us
Connect with the DUS Diversity Team.
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Penn State’s Land Acknowledgement
Find out who lived on the land Penn State resides.
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An inclusive, diverse community is one where all experiences and perspectives are valued. Here in DUS, we want everyone to feel that they can share their stories openly and be accepted for who they are and how they see the world. It is through the inclusion of the broadest range of perspectives that we will find solutions to the many problems that confront our world. I encourage you to be yourself, to share your story with your adviser and others, and to join us in building a strong, inclusive community at Penn State.