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 to me is bringing together a group of people with different backgrounds and characteristics; this includes visible and non-visible characteristics.
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.
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 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.
What are you doing to become more culturally competent?
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.
Personally, I've been actively building my facilitation skills, so I can be more effective in the midst of engaged (aka difficult!) discussions and passionate (aka entrenched!) perspectives. I'm a huge fan of TED talks and podcasts because they easily and accessibly give me access to others who are willing to share their unique life experiences. I take advantage of as many great Penn State speakers and events that I can squeeze in.
Listening. Really listening. And talking and reading and learning about different life experiences.
Currently, I spend time reading, listening to podcasts, and viewing films to become more culturally alert.
How do you advocate for others?
In my role as an academic adviser, my goal is to listen and empathize with students so that they feel truly heard on our campus and then take action along with the student, empowering and supporting them. If I am not a person that my student feels close to, that is okay, and I will connect them to other resources and communities where they feel they can share. I strive to foster a relationship of trust and empathy with all my students. We all need safe spaces.
Be proactive in listening, accepting, and welcoming people and ideas that are different from my own.
In order to advocate for others, I strive to contribute to creating welcoming spaces in my personal and professional life. Often, this includes recognizing and utilizing my privilege as a white male in order to stand up for others who historically have not had the power to do so and call out injustices when I see them, even if it makes others uncomfortable.
By listening. Finding ways, when possible, to encourage others to advocate for themselves. Call for help by enlisting others who know and experienced something I don't know, did not have to work through.
What does diversity mean to you?
It is important to recognize and appreciate others differences. Everyone brings a unique set of experiences and perspectives that enhances any environment whether it is a workplace or the classroom.
Diversity encourages open-mindedness and a level of cultural competence needed to develop inclusive, safe, and equitable environments for all students. Diversity allows me to be me. It feels good to not have to hide who I am, and that is just adding another item to the list of why diversity is not only important, but essential to me and the continued development of my worldview.
Simply - diversity makes us stronger.
Because human diversity is a fact of life.
Student Spotlights
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.
I was challenged to experience learning more dynamically in and out of the classroom followed by attaining leadership and interpersonal skills. It [DUS-ES] has taught me that it is okay to accept my failures because they’ll serve as stepping stones to striving for greatness in my college life, and I have the willpower to be resilient, no matter what the circumstance may be.
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.