Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion strives to promote a campus environment that understands and embraces multiculturalism while increasing individuals’ intercultural competence. The office is responsible for leading efforts to build and sustain a diverse and culturally vibrant campus, which promotes student success and retention. We are grounded in the following goals:

Provide an affirming and supportive environment for students
Educate faculty, staff, and students to be equity and inclusion advocates providing resources and programs that reflect the diversity of our community and increase cultural awareness
Collaborate with other university units to address intergroup disparities and inclusion in higher education and larger communities

RISE Retreat for Students of Color

Shamin Mason ’13 created RISE (Retain. Involve. Strengthen. Excel.) in 2012 with the help of the Office of Student Affairs because she felt very strongly that students of color at Chatham University would benefit tremendously from a program focused on their success. Taking place September 9-11, 2022 as a free experience, the RISE Retreat will provide Chatham students of color with an opportunity for group mentorship, community-building, identity development, and creating a network of BIPOC students and staff at the university. Incoming students of color are strongly encouraged to apply before the September 2, 2022 deadline.

Submit Application

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History, Heritage, & Awareness Months

History, Heritage, & Awareness Months generate mindfulness and appreciation of diverse cultures, challenge stereotypical perceptions of diverse populations and assist Chatham University in embracing the diversity of the campus community.

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Chatham Intergroup Relations

A suite of workshops and courses designed to promote face-to-face dialogue between individuals (peer to peer) with an history of conflict around social group experiences and is broken own into three main areas, a facilitation course, intergroup dialogue classes, and one-time workshops. IND 246 and PSY/IND 646 (ERG) is a 3-credit course for any student interested in facilitating social justice conversations. IND247 and PSY/IND 247 (ERG) Intergroup Dialogue Course is a 3-credit course for those interested in exploring group differences and common ground with such topics as race/ethnicity, SES, gender acceptance, personal responsibility and recognition of the value of all individuals. The Learning Edge is a team of students who offer peer-led social justice workshops for student organizations and classes. Please contact the office to schedule a one-time workshop for your student organization or class.

Explore Intergroup Relations

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Faculty & Staff Professional Development

At Chatham our commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Respect includes opportunities for faculty and staff to engage in learning and development throughout the school year. We work in cooperation with departments across Chatham, the Diversity and Inclusion Council, and Pittsburgh university partners to provide skill development that encourages a welcoming and inclusive campus climate. Outside of the continuous opportunities provided by multicultural affairs, departments are welcomed to request sessions on topics such as: The ABC’s of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Navigating Difficult Conversations in the Classroom; Racial Justice Allies and Advocates; and Working and Leading Across Difference.

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Diversity Dialogues

A monthly series that brings faculty, staff and students together over lunch to discuss intersectional topics related to equity and inclusion. Diversity Dialogues are educational and engaging, so prepare to learn something new, meet new people, ask questions, and build community through conversation.

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International Student Support

Our office works with International Affairs to support international students by collaborating on opportunities for cultural exchange, community involvement, and student activities. Through conversation, activities, and relationship building we are helping students break down barriers of separation and bridge the gap of inclusion.

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LGBTQIA+

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion works with Gender and Sexual Violence Prevention Committee and QSA to provide a range of educational, information, and advocacy opportunities that cater to the gender and sexual minority community. Our goal is to educate the campus community about sexual orientation and gender identity.

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Multi-Faith Council

Religious identity is an important component of the campus environment to help all students, faculty, and staff in understanding the world around us. Chatham University’s Multi-Faith Council (MFC) consists of representatives from spiritual and religious organizations in the Pittsburgh area that advise and assist Chatham University in serving the spiritual and religious needs of its student community.

Learn About the MFC

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Diversity and Inclusion Council

The Diversity and Inclusion Council is a university-wide committee made up of faculty, staff and students. The council initiates actions and empowers Chatham to build a diverse and inclusive community through dialogue, education, research, self-reflection, and engagement and acts as a catalyst to create an environment centered around respect, acceptance, personal responsibility, and recognition of the value of all individuals.

Diversity and Inclusion Council

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Support Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Chatham University

We understand that the greater community of aspiring allies and concerned citizens may ask what they can do to contribute towards racial advocacy and social justice efforts for Chatham students. Chatham has several affirming student organizations and initiatives that focus on restorative justice and engaging across different broader equity and inclusion efforts. Thank you for your interest in supporting these programs.

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