A Message on Diversity & Inclusion from our Leaders
Joe Gow, Chancellor
UW-L values diversity both in our programs and in the people who
learn and work here. We are committed to ensuring an
intellectually challenging, welcoming, and respectful learning
environment for all people of diverse perspectives, races,
ethnic backgrounds, ages, genders, religions, sexual
orientations, abilities, socioeconomic status, family
situations, national origins, and other individual differences.
Students, administrators, faculty, staff, and community members learn and work in a physically and psychologically safe environment where they are valued for their similarities and differences. Differences are recognized as valued resources for the academic, cultural, and personal development that has occurred in our country and our world; therefore, they are viewed as essential to an intellectually stimulating environment.
An atmosphere that fosters the exploration of issues from multiple perspectives fosters academic exploration and growth. Because diversity is an integral part of UW-L, students graduate with a commitment to being culturally knowledgeable world citizens.
Heidi Macpherson, Provost & Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
UW-L
values the diversity of all of its community, including faculty,
staff, students and visitors, and we work hard to ensure that
everyone is afforded the opportunity to develop to their full
potential.
One of our roles as educators is to make visible the way in which a monolithic view of the world hinders progress, both individual and collective. I believe that we have a social responsibility to create a learning environment that fosters students' development and adaptability, that meets and exceeds their needs, and that prompts students to move beyond monolithic viewpoints they may have held unconsciously.
In raising awareness of the positive contribution of diversity and inclusivity, we endeavour to equip all students with the requisite skills to realise their potential and make a positive contribution to society in a global economy. In doing so, we create a richer and more meaningful learning community for us all.
Paula Knudson, Assistant Chancellor & Dean of Students
I’m honored to work with the Campus Climate & Diversity offices
that provide leadership and support to make our campus and
community supportive and inclusive. I truly believe
that an inclusive campus is created by each of us who engage
with our community. It is not the work of a few,
but the commitment of many. The subdivision of Campus Climate &
Diversity consists of the offices of Campus Climate, Disability
Resources, LGBT Services, Multi-Cultural Services, Student
Support Services, and Upward Bound. These
units are an important part of the division of Student Affairs,
yet they provide services and guidance for the entire campus
community. Associate
Dean Barbara Stewart and the talented individuals in the
subdivision provide the entire campus with that the vision,
information, and leadership to guide us to an always growing and
improving inclusive community.