DUS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We welcome everyone to our community.
David Smith
Associate Dean for Advising and Executive Director
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What are you doing to become more culturally competent?
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.
I enjoy reading and listening to stories about different cultures. I also like to keep an open mind and listen to other perspectives before I give my own.
I try to be more culturally competent by sharing ideas and experiences with others from a wide variety of backgrounds when I can. I read articles, books and more that are written from a different perspective than my own. I search for opportunities to move out of my own understanding and opinions and learn about how others view the world, its events and its people. I listen and learn when I know that I am not well-educated in a topic being discussed and then try to incorporate the new knowledge in how I act. I also value the opportunity to visit and explore new and different places both domestically and internationally to first-hand experience different cultures.
Currently, I spend time reading, listening to podcasts, and viewing films to become more culturally alert.
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.
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Having safe spaces where you can interact with people that may or may not look like you, and engage in conversation and activity, makes you feel big at a smaller school.
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.