three diverse females sitting outside on campu

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.

Board of Trustees Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Board of Trustees is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion among our trustees, student body, staff, faculty, advisory boards, and others. We recognize that diversity of thought strengthens Westminster University and can only be fully realized when the composition and operation of the Board are collaborative, respectful of differences in perspectives, backgrounds, and lived experiences, and is grounded in a culture of imagination and innovation.

Upcoming Diversity Events

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Signature Diversity Events

Illustration of Martin Luther King Jr

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. 

three diverse male students standing and talking on campus

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 flag

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

group of students sitting around table at Student Diversity and Inclusion Center

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. 

aerial view of Converse and four students walking by

Student Disability Services

Disability Services provides equal access to higher education for academically qualified students with physical, learning, or psychiatric disabilities. 

four verterans in uniform walking in a line

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.

three diverse female students standing on steps of Comverse laughing

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.

female student and female staff looking at a paper in an office

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.

two female students walking on campus

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


Make a Donation 


Meet the Team

Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion


Tamara Stevenson, Ed.D.

Tamara Stevenson, Ed.D.


Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and C.D.O