University Diversity Committee

Welcome to Western Oregon University's Diversity Committee webpage!

This website presents resources and information relevant to a variety of campus stakeholders. Tabs above provide links to offices and other webpages that support diversity and social justice endeavors on our campus. Links below provide information about the University Diversity Committee and our efforts for inclusivity and promotion of diversity efforts on campus.

A MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT MARK WEISS

We, at Western Oregon University (WOU) are proud of  our ability to successfully serve a diverse community of students. That valued attribute is an important component of our core mission. For example, the success rates for our Latino students at WOU are notable and have received national recognition. We are determined in providing a supportive environment for students who are the first in their families to attend college.  In addition, we recognize that a commitment to diversity extends beyond our student populations - to staff and faculty; and should inspire a curriculum and campus culture that values inclusiveness and recognizes our differences as an advantage.
As President of Western Oregon University, and the first in my family to attend college, I am proud to support and communicate the WOU Diversity Action Plan on campus. The WOU Diversity Action Plan focuses our attention on how we can continue to help WOU students succeed and to overcome economic, language, and learning barriers that stand between themselves and college completion. This Plan will also help guide our actions in support of an accessible, inclusive, and diverse campus community enjoyed by students, staff, and faculty alike.
Although some elements of the Diversity Action Plan lend themselves to measurable outcomes, we recognize that no one action is sufficient and that there is not some moment in time at which we will be able to cease our efforts and say the job is done. Instead, the Diversity Action Plan reflects a culture we embrace and the way we will carry out our educational mission every day at Western Oregon University.

Western Oregon University Diversity Statement

Western Oregon University emphasizes diversity as a matter of institutional priority and an integral component of academic success. As we continue to increase our understanding and commitment to diversity we strive to:

• create respect for and appreciation of all persons and ideas as a key characteristic of our campus community;
• increase the diversity of all parts of our University community through commitment to diversity in our recruitment and retention efforts;
• promote active engagement among all members of our campus and surrounding communities; and
• foster a campus environment that is inclusive and accessible to students, faculty, staff and administration across the campus community;.

In order to achieve our aspirations at Western Oregon University, we will:

• sustain a safe and welcoming environment that supports diversity;
• support full and equitable educational access;
• increase our efforts to recruit and retain a diverse campus community;
• prepare effective citizen-leaders for a pluralistic world;
• confront and resolve institutional barriers to social justice;
• challenge instances of prejudice, bias and discrimination;
• enhance current and create new systems of support for the success of the university; and
• dedicate resources to the diversity initiatives.

Western Oregon University Diversity Resources

WOU is the home to a variety of resources related to diversity and social justice. Click the links below to be taken to a variety of those resources. If you can't find something that you are looking for, contact us at larsonm@wou.edu.

Western Oregon University Diversity Plan

WOU's University Diversity Committee has been hard at work designing our plan for the future and providing a template for diversity work on campus for the future. Our plan has been vetted by various campus user groups and senatorial bodies. You may find a copy of the final report by clicking HERE.

Western Oregon University Departments & Organizations

Multicultural Student Services & Programs

Office of Disability Services

Student Enrichment Program (SEP - TRiO Program)

WOU Safe Zone

Veteran's Services

Admissions

International Student & Scholar Affairs

Student Leadership & Activities

Academic Advising & Learning Center

Student Health & Counseling Center

Human Resources & Affirmative Action Office

WOU Provost's Office

Campus Public Safety

Vice President for Student Affairs

University Housing

Student Affairs Committee on Inclusion

Note that MANY of WOU's offices and department's support diversity efforts! The above list is not meant to be inclusive of all departments, just some common ones.

WOU Student Resources

ASWOU (Student Government)

Multicultural Student Union (MSU) Club

MEChA - Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanos de Aztlan

Triangle Alliance (GLBTQQIA and allies)

Hawaiian Club

Black Student Union

International Student Organization

These are just some of the student groups on campus - contact ASWOU for a complete listing of student organizations on campus.

Feel free to contact members of the University Diversity Committee - we are all willing to help provide information and access to the range of services at Western Oregon University! You may reach our chair, Malissa Larson at larsonm@wou.edu or (503) 838-8250.

Contact

Diversity Action Committee 503.838.8063 | or e-mail: tuckerj@wou.edu