With over 30,000 students and more than 6,000 faculty and staff, Iowa State University is proud to educate and employ a diverse community. The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion supports the cultivation of campus climate to build a model of equity and inclusion that impacts every aspect of campus life and gives voice to all members of the university community.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Inspiring inclusive excellence

Institutional Mission

Create, share, and apply knowledge to make Iowa and the world a better place.

Institutional Vision

Iowa State University will lead the world in advancing the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work. 

Land-grant definition

Abraham Lincoln signed the law that gave birth to the land-grant universities - "people's colleges," which were founded on three big ideas:

• Open higher education to all
• Teach practical classes
• Share knowledge far beyond campus

Commitment

To cultivate an inclusive campus climate in which every member of the community can learn, live, and work in a welcoming environment by:

• supporting the shared institutional mission for access and opportunity for the success of all people 
• fostering unity in establishing and nurturing collaborative partnerships in alignment with institutional strategic priorities 
• supporting and modeling our Principles of Community by celebrating our unique cultural differences 
• preparing learners to work in the global environment

Definitions

Diversity - Commitment to fostering a climate in all the ways people differ, including primary and secondary characteristics^[1] in a welcoming environment (Measurement for success and opportunities: IPEDS, enrollment data, graduation rates)

Equity - Commitment to fostering a climate where all individuals have access and opportunity to fully participate in the educational and working environment (Measurement for success and opportunities: campus climate survey, exit interviews (HR, & Provost/FA), transfers (Athletes & Admissions), reaccreditation (HLC), program outcomes/feedback, bias reports, equity/civil rights reports, reasonable accommodations feedback (services and academic - learning outcomes), advocacy services, counseling & wellness services, benefits, center for teaching and learning opportunities)

Inclusion - Commitment to fostering a climate where all individuals have a sense of belonging^[2] through support and respect to fully participate in the educational and working environment (Measurement for success and opportunities: Campus climate survey, exit interviews, learning outcomes, program feedback, absenteeism reports, curriculum, student organizations, faculty/staff associations, Greek Life membership, multicultural/identify)

^[1] Refer to the diversity wheel (primary is internal and secondary is external) Loden, M.
^[2] The construct goes beyond national or cultural identity, instead emphasizing the dynamic processes of emotional attachment. Reviewing the substantial theoretical literature on belonging, we identify four of its key elements: connection, participation, identification, and congruence.  

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