How do we define important concepts like inclusion, equity, and accountability? These definitions are the building blocks of IDEA2. They help us align our work with the College’s strategic priorities. The definitions of inclusion, diversity, and equity are adapted from the AAC&U Making Excellence Inclusive initiative for accessibility purposes.
Inclusion
Active, intentional, and ongoing engagement with diversity — in the curriculum, in the co-curriculum, and in communities (intellectual, social, cultural, geographical) with which individuals might connect — in ways that increase awareness, content knowledge, critical thinking, and empathic understanding of the complex ways individuals interact within systems and institutions.
Diversity
Individual differences (e.g., personality, prior knowledge, and life experiences) and group/social differences (e.g., race/ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, country of origin, and ability, as well as cultural, political, religious, or other affiliations).
Equity
The creation of opportunities for historically underserved populations to have equal access to, and participate in, programming that is capable of closing achievement gaps in student success and completion and in faculty and staff recruitment and retention.
Access
The College’s programs and facilities are designed and implemented to ensure that people of all abilities may thrive and be equipped to succeed as students, faculty, and staff.
Accountability
The visible use of qualitative and quantitative methods to evaluate, assess, celebrate, and tell the story of the College’s progress towards its goals.