Center for Inclusive Excellence and Access
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ)
Definitions
Diversity
- Diversity is the complexity of personal experiences, values, and worldviews that arise from differences and intersections of culture and circumstance. Such differences and intersections include race, sex, ethnicity, age, religion, language, ability/disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, socioeconomic, veteran or other status, and geographic region.
Inclusion
- An environment where all people engage in creating a community where all groups have equal access and are welcomed and valued
What is the Importance of DEIJ Work at NAU?
As an institution that serves as a bridge to the larger Flagstaff community, and that fosters opportunities for students, staff, faculty, and community members, it is imperative for Northern Arizona University (NAU) to function as an exemplar of true diversity and inclusion, and a driver of social impact. NAU is a role model in Flagstaff, exerting great influence in the community. Thus, productive and exemplary DEIJ work at NAU can set a precedent for how these topics will be addressed by other organizations, both local and far.
Furthermore, as an institution of higher education that is built on a student-first foundation and serves as a gateway to empowerment and impactful careers, recruiting, retaining, supporting, and graduating underrepresented and diverse students is one of NAU’s main objectives. Likewise, NAU is dedicated to diversifying its staff and faculty populations and fostering the growth of historically underrepresented, marginalized, and underserved groups through the creation of a culturally competent and accessible environment.
This focus on DEIJ work helps us strive toward a brighter future where everyone’s unique strengths and assets are identified, developed, and maximized. Enhancing access to educational and career opportunities also helps reduce social inequities and other societal injustices. Overall, NAU is committed to a more just, equitable, inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable future. Learn more about DEIJ at NAU below.
DEIJ-related Offices
The Office of Inclusion: Multicultural & LGBTQIA Student Services (IMQ) helps cultivate a safe and supportive atmosphere for diverse students to thrive at NAU by providing access to diversity-related events, activities, and trainings.
NAU hosts five Diversity Commissions that meet monthly to discuss topics related to their respective areas of diversity on campus, plan events, and engage in advocacy campaigns that benefit NAU students, staff, faculty, and the larger Flagstaff community. The co-chairs of each commission also meet each month to collaborate on projects spanning intersectional domains of DEIJ.
Disability Resources addresses barriers such as accessibility concerns and provides appropriate and reasonable accommodations, support, and advocacy, when necessary, for students, faculty, and staff with disabilities.
The Equity and Access Office keeps NAU on track regarding equal opportunity, non-discrimination, harassment, affirmative action in employment, accessibility, and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.