The President's Advisory Board on Inclusion and Diversity

Statement on Inclusion and Diversity

The University of San Diego believes academic excellence requires a learning community that is characterized by inclusive engagement with diverse peoples and perspectives.  The benefits of a rich, diverse learning community are most likely realized when institutions demonstrate high levels of commitment to inclusion and diversity. 

In support of that commitment, the work of the Board will be organized around a concept of diversity that is fluid, and which can include multiple social and cultural identities, such as race, sex and sexual orientation, class, group affiliation, ability, national origin, and religion.  Board members recognize that within this list, at any given time and place, some individual or group characteristics are given higher value and accommodation than others.  The process of elevating some characteristics of identity can lead to the silencing of others, particularly if members of one group systematically neglect the perspectives and aspirations of others.  A truly excellent academic community encourages respect and cooperation among groups and the vigorous debate and examination of new and competing ideas within a community that values shared governance. 

PABID has been and continues to be a forum for students, faculty, and administrators to encourage dialogue on diversity and inclusion. It identifies and reviews key recommendations from students, faculty, and administrators which are then recommended to the President of the university. Recent initiatives include the Grant initiative, which is a part of PABID's emerging agenda for 2007-2008.

Purpose

The purpose of this newly commissioned board is to advise the President (via reports, recommendations, and initiatives) on issues, policies and practices that affect the University of San Diego’s commitment to inclusion and diversity.

The Board recognizes the need to promote a campus culture that focuses on:

• Engaging differences
• Overcoming silence
• Supporting the voice and visibility of all members.

Charge to the Presidential Advisory Board on Inclusion and Diversity
 
Advise the President on issues, policies and practices that affect the University of San Diego’s commitment to inclusion and diversity, including standards and methods of accountability;

Report regularly to the President and the University community on the status of issues of diversity at USD, such as diversity in employment, campus environment and compensation, and campus leadership;

Offer recommendations in support of the University’s mission, such as enhancing the University's recruitment, integration, retention and graduation of underrepresented students, faculty and staff in pursuit of the compositional diversity required to achieve excellence;

Propose initiatives to educate the University about diversity as it relates to academic excellence and institutional viability, and to fully engage faculty, staff and students in the creation of a campus that is inclusive and culturally competent.

PABID Co-Sponsorship Proposal Form

Meeting Minutes of PABID AY2008-2009 are forthcoming

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