Inclusion, Equity, and Well-Being
CLAS Commitment to Inclusion, Equity, and Well-Being
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable community “in which inclusion, equity, access, and respect for difference sustain, and are sustained by, a liberal education that is accessible to and beneficial for all” (CLAS Vision, Commitments, and Action Plan, 2021–2025, p. 5). We believe that fostering such a community involves supporting student success and creating a workplace where faculty and staff can thrive (see CLAS Vision, Commitments, and Action Plan, 2021–2025, p. 5).
CLAS also abides by GVSU's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Equal Employment Opportunity and Antidiscrimination (BOT 9.1):
Grand Valley State University is committed to inclusion and equity, and strives to establish a climate that welcomes and affirms the contributions of all students and employees. The University is guided by values for inclusiveness and community which are integral to our mission to educate students to shape their lives, their professions, and their societies, and to enrich the community through excellent teaching, active scholarship, and public service. The University strives to provide all members of its community an inclusive environment and equitable opportunities for success.
The University is also committed to maintaining a climate conducive to an educational, living, and employment environment that is free from unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination, as well as those defined by this policy. All members of the community are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not infringe upon the rights of others. It is neither the purpose nor intent of this policy to infringe on the First Amendment or academic freedom as defined by the University.
The University is an antidiscrimination, equal employment opportunity institution, consistent with its obligations as a federal contractor. It encourages diversity and provides equal opportunity in education, employment, all of its programs, and the use of its facilities. It is committed to protecting the constitutional and statutory civil rights of persons connected with the University.
CLAS Professional Development Plans
Implementing unit-level professional development plans helps faculty and staff build a more inclusive and equitable College community, engage in meaningful work, and pursue continuous professional growth and organizational effectiveness. These plans also encourage faculty and staff to develop skills and tools that help them better serve students from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Contact Us
For more information, contact [email protected].
University Resources
University Partners
Department of Inclusion and Equity
Pew Teaching and Learning Center
- Inclusive Excellence
- Sandbox Learning Innovation Grant (and Inclusive Excellence Special Emphasis Sandbox Grant)
- Minds that Matter series
- PACE initiative for connecting mind and health
Student Accessibility Resources
Office of Multicultural Affairs
Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center
Professional Development Resources
Academic Affairs Resources
Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (OURS) presents on inclusive faculty mentoring of undergraduate researchers and other topics concerning undergraduate research and scholarship.
Inclusive STEM Teaching Project is designed to advance the awareness, self-efficacy, and ability of STEM faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and staff to cultivate inclusive learning environments for all their students and to develop themselves as reflective, inclusive practitioners.
Teaching and Learning in the Diverse Classroom – Free Self-Paced edX Course
History of Inequality in the U.S. (self-paced course)
20-Minute Mentor Commons Inclusive Excellence Online Workshops
Pace Initiative for Connecting Mind and Health
Current Learning Communities All faculty are eligible to participate in a learning community (LC) that already exists. They can choose to register for learning communities on DEI-related topics, broadly understood. Staff may participate in a learning community with their supervisors' approval.
Division of People, Equity and Culture Resources
Academic Impressions is free for all GVSU faculty, staff, and students.
Inclusion and Equity Udemy eLearning
Inclusion and Equity Educational Resources (articles, books, and videos)
GVSU's Teach-In is a yearly 2-day event with sessions facilitated by GVSU students, faculty, and staff on a range of DEI-related topics. It is normally held on the first or second Wednesday and Thursday of November.