Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion is a core value of Ohio University. We are committed to becoming a national leader in diversity and inclusion by promoting campus environments that foster and celebrate access and inclusion for all students. This is a key part of the transformative experience of coming to Ohio University.

Each and every one of you will bring a unique perspective to your classes, campus jobs, residence halls, and student organizations. Education has always been a key driver of social change and progress, and we are excited that you are now part of our Bobcat family that values diversity, equity, and global education.

Diversity describes who we are, the many visible and invisible differences between and among individuals, groups, and cultures that make up our communities. Diversity includes all ages, races, ethnic groups, abilities, genders, gender identities, sexualities, national origins, cultures, socioeconomic classes, abilities, lived experiences, geographic regions, and religions.  

Being a Bobcat means being in a culture that celebrates difference and diversity. It means being inspired to learn new things, to listen to others and learn from their experiences, to cultivate friendships that are meaningful, and to explore who you are.  

Here at OHIO, we have embraced the tangible benefits of centering diversity and inclusion in education: Students who feel that they belong will thrive academically and devote passion to their studies. Students whose access needs are met will learn better. Students whose identities are valued and celebrated will happily share their voice, their perspective, and their experience with their classmates.   

And students who learn with and from others with backgrounds and experiences different from their own are best prepared to succeed in their chosen careers and become leaders in the diverse local and global communities. Upon graduation, our students change our world for the better by embracing and cherishing difference. 

Based on this conviction, the Division of Diversity and Inclusion serves and celebrates all students by helping them explore productive ways to navigate their diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives and thus empowering them to grow and thrive at OHIO.

The four centers within our Division – the Multicultural Center, the LGBT Center, the Women’s Center, and the Office for Multicultural Student Success and Retention (OMSAR) – continuously envision strategies to welcome and uplift all members of the campus community, specifically groups and individuals who have historically been excluded, underrepresented and/or marginalized within higher education settings. 

Studying in a community that supports diversity also means that hate is not welcome here. It means challenging racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and other attitudes that create inequity. It means that Bobcats challenge our own biases. It means also helping our fellow Bobcats as they confront their own biases or are faced with the biases of others. 

We are excited to provide you with the opportunity to expand and enrich your worldview!

Welcome to OHIO!

Our Mission

Ohio University is committed to inclusive excellence and achieving the benefits of diversity through inclusive practices, policies, curricula, and programs that lead to a welcoming, respectful, supportive, and affirming environment; especially for those who have been marginalized.

Our Vision

Ohio University will be recognized as a national leader in our diversity and inclusion efforts defined by our innovative approaches to designing an inclusive curriculum and educational programming, enacting comprehensive recruitment and strategic communication strategies, supporting students, crafting campus-wide mentoring initiatives, and focusing on continuous assessment.