President's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council

Diversity at National University encompasses the whole of the human experience and includes such human qualities as race, gender, ethnicity, physical ability, nationality, age, religion, sexual orientation, economic status, education, experiences, and veteran status. These and other socially and historically important attributes reflect the complexity of our increasingly diverse student body and communities.

In recognition that our society and our institution have become more diverse, National University has re-invigorated the President’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council (DEIC). The DEIC functions as an advisory council and recommending body to the Office of the President, and council members serve as liaisons to divisions, offices, and units across the intuition. Councilmembers are responsible for assessing, developing, overseeing, and monitoring University-wide efforts to achieve NU’s commitment to diversity and access as core institutional and educational values.

The DEIC meets regularly to assess the systems, culture, and climate of the University through an equity lens, and develops recommendations that will help foster a more wholly inclusive and equitable culture. The Vice Provost for Academic Services, Dr. Joseph Hoey is the Chair of the DEIC, which consists of faculty, staff, and student volunteers. The council members represent many of the diverse offices, departments, and representative bodies of NU such as:

Student Representatives
Faculty Senate
Graduate Council
Undergraduate Council
Council of Chairs
Equity & Inclusion Office
Human Resources
Student Accessibility Services
National University Language Institute

Title IX Office
International Programs Office
Enrollment Management
Center for Innovation & Learning
Academic Operations
Advisor of Pride @ NU
Finance
Registrar Office
Facilities/Security

To begin this important process, the DEIC has embarked on the important work of institutional baseline assessment. To ensure targeted successes, the assessment efforts have been divided up into five sub-committees:

Access & Equity

Evaluate how to create and ensure access for all underserved populations (students, faculty, and staff) at the institution. Develop methods to improve access and success for all members of the NU community, while enabling advancement (retention) and success (graduation) for underserved students.

Diversity in the Formal & Informal Curriculum

Assess and recommend improvements to embed diversity and social justice concepts throughout curricular and co-curricular studies (field trips, field experience, study abroad, etc.), University processes (Career Services, Student Organizations, Financial Aid, Office of Student Conduct, etc.), including outcomes assessments.

Campus Climate

Assess perceptions of campus climate by students, staff, and faculty, disaggregated by relevant subgroups. Look for differences within and across subgroups. Develop ways and mechanisms to address bias‐related concerns from members of the NU community.

Student Learning and Development through Andragogical Diversity

Assess and collaborate with other groups to develop methods and practices for adult learners to further reinforce an educational environment that fosters a sense of belonging to the institution. This includes the learning environment, mode of delivery, ancillary departmental services, an atmosphere of respect and supportiveness, and the way all of these experiences combine to create a unique learning culture where all students can thrive.