Diversity Initiative 2009
Diversity & Inclusion Mission Statement
The Diversity & Inclusion team respects and values diversity, and is committed to creating a culture of inclusion that unlocks our enormous reservoirs of innovation and talent and eradicates barriers to engagement and collaboration; so that everyone in our campus community can thrive. Our mission is to:
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Serve as an integrating force within the institution by cultivating strategic alliances with key stakeholders in the university
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Prepare students to work and lead in a global culture by increasing their intercultural competency, and by incorporating a myriad of campus-wide diversity and inclusiveness enhancement initiatives
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Conceptualize, define, assess, cultivate, and leverage diversity and inclusion as educational resources fundamental to institutional excellence; incorporating inclusiveness into every facet of the university
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Dear Fellow Members of the Wake Forest University community:
A defining characteristic of Wake Forest University is its commitment to creating a pluralistic and inclusive environment for every member of the campus community. As we continue to increase the representation of diverse individuals within our institution, we also pledge to provide a myriad of initiatives to enhance your intercultural competence. Accomplishing these goals will enable us to create a rich mixture of intellectuality that enhances individual knowledge as well as the overall culture of our institution.
Wake Forest embraces the value of each individual and rejects any form of bigotry, discrimination, and hatred directed against members of our institution. We seek to cultivate an environment which fosters the inclusion and engagement of everyone, regardless of individual differences. Embracing diversity of thought will remain a priority in the strategic principles of the Collegiate University; for doing so is instrumental to our University’s ability to maintain a competitive advantage. As a liberal arts institution, our purpose is to facilitate academic diversity by maintaining an atmosphere in which mutual respect and intellectual pluralism flourish. Moreover, understanding the importance of including different perspectives and experiences is a vital component of our motto “Pro Humanitate”.
On behalf of the Office of the Provost, I welcome your feedback, new ideas, and suggestions for building a more global community; enabling everyone to thrive!
With warm regards,
Barbee Myers Oakes, PhD
Assistant Provost for Diversity and Inclusion
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A Special Message to Parents and College Preparation Professionals
The Wake Forest community takes great pride in our ability to attract the kind of student-leaders who are destined to impact the world in which we live. Our Admissions teams in the College, as well as Graduate and Professional Schools, collaborate with parents, teachers, guidance counselors, alumni, and many others to identify the exceptionally gifted and talented students enrolled in our university from nations around the world.
We recognize that providing a culturally diverse and inclusive climate which promotes engagement around issues of pluralism is an essential component in a student’s preparation process for future global leadership. When your student becomes a member of the Wake Forest family, we will proffer a host of co-curricular, academic, and experiential learning initiatives designed to cultivate the seeds of servant-leadership you have planted and nourished in him or her since childhood.
We share your high expectations of success for all our students! Additionally, we acknowledge that in order for every student to maximize his or her academic experience, we must strive to eradicate insidious barriers such as racism, prejudice, or discrimination that would impede the fulfillment of their dreams. These mutual goals can only be achieved if we develop diversity of thought among our institutional leadership as well as among our student population.
Creating an inclusive campus climate is an ongoing work-in-process; and we, as faculty, staff, and administrators, are genuine in our desire to model the global citizenship we strive to instill in our students. We encourage you to send your “best and brightest leaders” to Wake Forest University for a transformational higher education experience.
Imagine what you can achieve!
In partnership,
Barbee Myers Oakes, PhD
Assistant Provost for Diversity and Inclusion