Inclusive Excellence

At the center of a diverse community with more than 75,000 students, faculty and staff members, Student Affairs is committed to fostering a climate of respect and fairness.

We strive to create an atmosphere and institutional culture that is welcoming to all individuals, inclusive of their age, color, culture, disability status, gender identity and expression, height, language, marital status, national origin, political perspectives, race and ethnicity, religion and spirituality, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, veteran status and weight.

Therefore, Student Affairs commits to the following:

We will create a welcoming environment.

  • Develop and enhance practices to foster inclusion and a sense of belonging.
  • Encourage and support spaces that allow for the development of community.
  • Gather feedback frequently and respond to the needs of students.

We will contribute to the cultural education of students.

  • Encourage students to examine their responsibilities in a diverse, globally-minded society.
  • Engage students in experiences that educate them about the value of perspective-taking and reflection to foster a deeper understanding of and respect for the experiences of others.
  • Provide students transformative experiences that expand their cultural learning and appreciation.

We will cultivate a Student Affairs staff committed to justice.

  • Engage in perspective-taking and reflection to foster a deeper understanding of and respect for the experiences of others.
  • Provide and participate in continual learning, centered in cultural humility, to enhance our abilities to serve a diverse student body and campus community.
  • Create policies, procedures and practices that actively respond to bias, harassment and inequity.

Inclusive Excellence Defined

Coined by Dr. Alma Clayton-Pedersen, Ph.D. in the early 2000s during her term as Vice President for Education and Institutional Renewal at the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AACU), the term Inclusive Excellence has come to be understood as a “framework for thinking about equity, diversity, belonging, and student success in higher ed, and how colleges can tackle those challenges.”

Dr. Clayton-Pedersen, contends “The goal is to broaden who can become excellent” and “the language itself doesn’t matter as much as the actions”.—Chronicle for Higher Education, 2022

Definition of Diversity

Diversity in Student Affairs at Illinois encompasses the varied experiences, expressions and values within our community. This is informed by, but is not limited to, age, color, culture, disability status, gender identity and expression, height, language, marital status, national origin, political perspectives, race and ethnicity, religion and spirituality, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, veteran status and weight.

Definition of Equity

Equity in Student Affairs at Illinois ensures equal opportunity for all people. Through the creation of policies, procedures and practices that actively respond to bias, harassment and inequity, we challenge discrimination.

Definition of Inclusion

Inclusion in Student Affairs at Illinois intentionally fosters an environment where diverse people and perspectives are welcomed, valued and integrated into our campus community. We fundamentally believe that embracing the diverse cultures and experiences of all community members enhances our campus.

Learn about the Inclusive Excellence Steering Committee.

Training Event

Student Affairs Inclusive Excellence Symposium

The symposium will feature the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Student Affairs professionals who have or in the process of presenting innovative and practical ideas and programs that will support the continued development of our welcoming environment and highlight varying contributions to the cultural education of students and staff. We can’t wait to see you there.

Date: Thursday, April 17, 2025
Location: Illini Union Second Floor

For further information, please contact Ashley Dye at adye@illinois.edu or Kimberly Alexander-Brown @ kalexand@illinois.edu.

Open to students, faculty and staff
Download the Symposium Program (PDF) Register to Attend

Mapping Inclusive Excellence Across the Division

The Student Affairs Inclusive Excellence committee is undertaking a process that will allow us to map our formal services, programs, and roles relating specifically to training and development opportunities and overall inclusive excellence programming happening with your units.

Divisional mapping will allow us to clarify what and where programs, services and training are offered as well as determine where potential opportunities for collaboration exist. The findings of this process will contribute to the development of actionable priorities. Share the inclusive excellence services, training and programs in your area. Please email Kimberly Alexander-Brown (kalexand@illinois.edu) with questions.

Complete the Mapping Form
Training Program

Inclusive Hiring at Illinois

Inclusive Hiring at Illinois is a training program for search committees and others involved in employee recruitment efforts. It consists of a series of modules that provide each user with knowledge and skills directly relevant to their role in the recruitment and hiring process. For most search committee members, the training will take about one hour to complete. EEO officers, vice chairs, diversity advocates, and hiring managers will have additional modules geared toward their roles and duties. 

Learn more about Inclusive Hiring at Illinois
Training Program

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training

The values of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) not only contribute to a positive and respectful working environment, but also foster innovation, creativity and a wider range of perspectives to help organizations achieve even greater success. Check out the training programs offered via LinkedIn Learning regularly for new opportunities to continue your DEIs journey.

(Free; University login required)
Explore DEI training on LinkedIn Learning
Training Program

DEI&B Certificate Program

The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Certificate Program provides a robust experience for all University of Illinois System employees to engage in meaningful discussions, activities, curriculum and projects to promote and support DEI&B. The program aims to educate about DEI&B topics, train individuals to be DEI&B allies and advocates and provide resources.

Learn more about the DEI&B Certificate Program
Funding Opportunity

Inclusive Excellence Grant

The Inclusive Excellence grant is awarded to a program or project that inspires learning related to social justice, diversity, equity, inclusion or belonging.

For FY25, the following units were awarded grants.

  • $2000 – OSCR and Connie Frank CARE Center – Caitlin Kay and Liz Wilson
  • $1500 – NAH and WRC – Charlotte Davidson and Kasey Umland
  • $1500 – Civic Life and University Housing – January Boten, Gina Lee Olukoya, and Medra Roberts-Sutherland (funds will fund the Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee)

Additional Programs

Follow these links to find out more about some of our programs: