Northern Arizona University’s Diversity Strategic Plan
Developing NAU into a True Diversity University
The purpose of the Northern Arizona University (NAU) Diversity Strategic Plan (DSP) is to create a framework of action for the university to enhance Diversity and Inclusion throughout the fabric of NAU. The goal of the DSP is to create a community that exhibits true diversity and inclusion. This means that at all levels of the institution, diversity and inclusion are recognized as institutional strengths and exhibited through a reflection of ideals and participation by all members of the diverse NAU community.
Northern Arizona University is an institution of higher education built on a student-first foundation. NAU has an enrollment of over 30,000 (fall 2019) with over 60% female and increasing numbers of underrepresented and diverse student populations. Two-thirds of NAU students are from the state of Arizona; a state that likewise is seeing an increase in the diversity of state demographics.
Our vision
The True Diversity University: A university environment exhibiting true diversity and inclusion where there exists a wealth of individuals whose unique experiences of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual and gender identities, disability, and other perspectives are valued and woven into the fabric of the institution.
The Diversity Strategic Plan focuses and prioritizes the university’s attention and resources around diversity, inclusion, and a culturally competent environment for all, with particular attention to underrepresented, marginalized, or underserved groups in higher education. The DSP aligns with the University Strategic Plan (USP) that, in turn, aligns with the Arizona Board of Regents Strategic Plan, “Impact Arizona.”
The NAU DSP is a culmination of the work of dedicated teams, starting with representatives of the university diversity commissions and invested stakeholders across campus, and most importantly the DSP Task Force. The result is a plan that focuses on short- and long-term strategies to achieve key goals and objectives. The planning process was led through the NAU Center for University Access and Inclusion (CUAI) with input from the President’s Diversity Fellow. Contact CUAI@nau.edu for more information.