Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion assists the Westminster University community in creating a healthy and inclusive campus. Whether fostering meaningful dialogue, providing education and increasing awareness, encouraging action, or strengthening community partnerships, diversity and inclusion are at the core of everything Westminster does.
Campus Culture
There is no better place to learn and grow than at one of Utah’s most diverse institutions. Through academic programs, co-curricular offerings, and campus support and services, Westminster strives to create an inclusive environment where every student is challenged to think critically, is free to explore ideas, and is given the space to create a meaningful experience during college and beyond.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Westminster University is dedicated to social justice, equity, and respect as fundamental components of our mission and core values. Informed by college-wide learning goals, Westminster acknowledges and engages with the values, experiences, worldviews, and intersectional identities and characteristics of all members of the campus community. Furthermore, Westminster strives for inclusive excellence by consistently interweaving diversity and inclusion into our curricula and co-curricular activities, programs, policies, practices, and external engagement. It is our goal to cultivate a respectful, equitable, and healthy campus community.
Recognition of Utah's Tribal Communities
Westminster University recognizes the tribal communities of the Goshute, Diné Navajo, Paiute, Shoshone, and Ute peoples, their elders, both past and present, and their future generations. We acknowledge their stewardship of Utah’s lands.
This statement is characterized as a “recognition” of Utah’s five tribal communities instead of a land acknowledgment because it is unclear which specific tribe(s) are historically connected to the location where Westminster University is currently situated. Further, attention to cultural integrity must be incorporated into developing an official statement, including direct input and endorsement from Utah’s tribal communities along with well-grounded institutional efforts that demonstrate this commitment.
Upcoming Diversity Events
-
MLK Rally and March-Community Time
January 23, 2025 | 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
-
January 31, 2025 | 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
-
January 31, 2025 | 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
-
February 13, 2025 | 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
-
February 19, 2025 | 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Signature Diversity Events
MLK Celebration
Each January, Westminster holds a week of events to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and provides opportunities to connect and have conversations about diversity, community, and engagement.
Bastian Foundation Diversity Lecture Series
The Diversity Lecture Series is one of the College’s most stimulating and thought-provoking initiatives that reflects a commitment toward the active and critical engagement of relevant diversity and inclusion issues.
Juneteenth Celebration
Every June, Westminster celebrates Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”). This holiday marks troops’ arrival 2.5 years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, and honors the end of slavery in the United States.
Campus Diversity Resources
Student Engagement and Belonging
Student Engagement and Belonging promotes student engagement and cultural intelligence by supporting fellowship, academics, and social engagement through its programs and initiatives.
Student Disability Services
Disability Services provides equal access to higher education for academically qualified students with physical, learning, or psychiatric disabilities.
Center for Veteran and Military Services
The Center for Veteran and Military Services is Westminster University's central location for serving veterans, dependents, and other military students.
McNair Scholars Program
The McNair Scholars Program is a federally funded effort to increase the number of students from underrepresented groups who go on to graduate study.
Counseling Center
Westminster's Counseling Center firmly believes in the importance of attention to the “whole person” in the educational process. The center aims to assist students in clarifying and accomplishing personal and academic goals.
Office of Equal Opportunity
The Office of Equal Opportunity works to ensure equitable opportunity in education and employment for all members of the campus community.
Community Diversity Resources
Westminster Tax Clinic
The Westminster Tax Clinic provides free tax clinics, offering tax-filing assistance and financial advocacy for individuals and families who might not otherwise have access.
Clemente Course
This course encourages Utah students from underrepresented groups to find their own voices and agency in their communities, as well as to apply for and succeed in college.
Promise South Salt Lake
Promise South Salt Lake's partnership with Westminster connects communities through shared purpose by fostering authentic, relevant, and transformational experiences and relationships.
Walkways to Westminster
Westminster University students have the opportunity to serve as mentors to youth, supporting them in their academic success, college preparation, career planning, English language learning, and life skills.
Support Diversity
Student Outreach and Access
Invest in efforts aimed at community engagement and outreach, including college pipeline programs, community projects, and scholarships.
Student Success and Development
Invest in programs and initiatives that support students from diverse backgrounds and create opportunities for student learning, success, and professional development.
Education and Experiences
Sponsor campus-wide events, speaker series, and education experiences designed to facilitate conversations.
General Support
Make a donation to the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that we can use wherever we need the most support.
Volunteer
If you are interested in volunteering your time as a student mentor or expertise as a visiting speaker, please contact the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Center.
Meet the Team
Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Tamara Stevenson, Ed.D.
Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and C.D.O