Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

Mission & Vision Statement

Grounded in our Christian Brothers identity and in keeping with our pursuit and practice of the social justice imperatives of the Catholic Faith, the mission of the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) within the Office of the Provost is to support Iona University’s shared commitment to sustainably advance a diverse, equitable campus culture, that is inclusive thereby creating a sense of belonging where diverse communities are celebrated, can excel and can thrive through collective effort and strategic collaborations across the university and neighboring communities.

Guiding Framework

• Facilitate active integration of diversity, equity and inclusion into the very fabric of the institutional culture by incorporating institutional expectations in terms of practices, policies and competencies including their measurement into the performance management process.
• Strengthen and systematize the recruitment, hiring, retention, support and advancement of faculty, administration and staff of color including those from underrepresented minority (URM) communities.
• Sharpen admissions strategies for the effective recruitment of students from historically underrepresented and marginalized populations.
• Strengthen University policies, practices and behaviors to ensure success for historically underrepresented and marginalized student populations through innovative intervention initiatives and programs in the pursuit of academic excellence.
• Provide support for the advancement of curriculum diversification and the practice of culturally responsive teaching and learning.
• Develop curricular and co-curricular activities to build awareness, educate and create a more welcoming campus, reflecting support for DEIB efforts and where racism and injustice are repelled.
• Create mutually beneficial relationships with our neighboring communities to support DEIB efforts.
• Establish safe and secure spaces for DEIB connections, discussions and support.

On-Campus Accessibility

Various campus departments work with persons with disabilities to make the campus accessible. Campus visitors with disabilities who need accommodations or auxiliary aids, and services are encouraged to contact the office or department hosting the event to make such arrangements and accessibility services.