Diversity Policy - Wellness Center

The Wellness Center is committed to the promotion and celebration of diversity in all of its forms. We recognize and acknowledge the impact of stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination, oppression, power and privilege and are committed to creating a community based on mutual respect, understanding and openness. We encourage the utilization of our services by all students, including those who may be reluctant to receive traditional forms of treatment. We strive to provide a safe, welcoming and affirming environment for all persons who seek our services.

The staff of the Wellness Center are committed to following the ethical principles of our profession which state:

Psychologists respect the dignity and worth of all people, and the rights of individuals to privacy, confidentiality, and self-determination. Psychologists are aware of and respect cultural, individual and role differences, including those based on age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language and socioeconomic status and consider these factors when working with members of such groups. Psychologists try to eliminate the effect on their work of biases based on those factors, and they do not knowingly participate in or condone activities of others based upon such prejudices (American Psychological Association, 2010).

Additionally, the following is a core principle value of the counseling profession:

Honoring diversity and embracing a multicultural approach in support of the worth, dignity, potential, and uniqueness of people within their social and cultural contexts (American Counseling Association, 2014).

Please review our solidarity statement on the Support & Solidarity for SMCM Students website.

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