DUS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We welcome everyone to our community.
David Smith
Associate Dean for Advising and Executive Director
Rebekka Kuhn
Interim Coordinator of Multicultural Initiatives
Hear from our staff...
How do you define diversity?
Diversity is humanity: the full and beautiful range of human identity, culture, thought, belief, and experience. Looking outside of ourselves, seeing and valuing difference, and uplifting people who are different from us are not only how we demonstrate care for other people, but also how we learn and grow.
Diversity is the sharing of knowledge, experiences and viewpoints from people of a wide variety of backgrounds. These backgrounds may be different cultures, genders, ethnicities, socio-economic statuses, educational levels, ability statuses and many more. To be truly diverse, we need to discuss and learn about all of these different experiences and just as importantly, acknowledge our own lack of knowledge and be open to new ideas and ways of thinking.
Diversity is the collection of, and acknowledged value of, each of our various identities, experiences, and perspectives that make us each a whole, worthy individual.
Diversity is present when people of different identities are in one place. Sometimes, these are blatantly obvious (race, religion, language, etc.), but there is also diversity in people's political views, personalities, professions, values, aspirations, and more. All of these things are an important part of diversity because they contribute to our uniqueness as human beings.
What are you doing to become more culturally competent?
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.
Reading, listening, observing.
I am a reader, so I intentionally chose books that will help me learn more about diverse experiences and voices.
I reflect upon my own values and how I might identify possible biases that I have that are unintentionally fostered by my upbringing and development.
I aim to take every opportunity to attend an event or ask about a new word, fad, or trend so that I can do my part to remain an active participant in the desire to promote my own understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion for all individuals.
How do you advocate for others?
To advocate for others, I seek information and identify supporters and partners. Then I compile that information and present it to those that can take action. Sometimes this process is fast and results quickly realized. Sometimes this process is slower and takes several cycles to see change.
By encouraging friends to consider other perspectives when in conversation. By giving examples of lived experiences other than our own when conversing with family members. By asking friends and family to take in the world around them and not be narrow minded in their thinking.
I advocate for others by first listening to their concerns and making sure that I understand their needs. Then I try to partner with them to find a solution, and ask others to hear their concerns and voices to reach a resolution.
In one-on-one relationships, I get to know people. When someone isn't able to speak up for themselves or their voice isn't being heard, I echo and amplify their voice if they're OK with it. I advocate for change by showing up, speaking up, being a conscious consumer, voting in local and national elections, and donating time and money.
What does diversity mean to you?
At a university, where the pursuit of knowledge is at the heart of everything we do, diversity is vital. We cannot do the work of understanding our world if only some of us are asking the questions. When we foster a deep sense of belonging in every member of our community, we are all better for it.
Because human diversity is a fact of life.
Diversity is important to me because it brings different experiences and perspectives to the conversation and always results in a better outcome, product, or decision!
Simply - diversity makes us stronger.
Student Spotlights
My DUS-ES meetings with all of my peers and advisors were very impactful to my growth as a student, leader, and person. The friendships I made from DUS-ES turned out to be some of my closest friends, which in turn helped guide me to where I am today.
I am half Puerto Rican and half Dominican and I try to make my “latinidad” a big part of my identity…Let your supporters and loved ones know that you’re struggling. They are there to guide you when you’re in the dark and the sooner you act, the sooner you’ll see improvement.
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.