As a living and learning community, we are committed to being an engaged, culturally inclusive campus that does not exclude or marginalize individuals and groups because of gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, social class, marital and parental status, disability, age, religion, geography or national origin.

We seek a campus community that reflects the rich diversity of humanity with the full participation of people who represent the breadth of human differences.

We believe these commitments are necessary to be a viable and competitive institution of higher learning in the 21st century. They are indispensable in achieving our mission of educating “undergraduate students for productive, creative and reflective lives of achievement, leadership and service in a diverse and interconnected world.”

Diversity and Inclusion in Action

Our commitment to creating an inclusive and diverse campus involves initiatives, programs and groups tailored to the particular strengths and challenges of the SU community and the Susquehanna Valley. By forming partnerships across campus between students, faculty and staff, as well as partnerships with the local Selinsgrove and Susquehanna Valley communities, SU dedicates time, energy and effort to affecting an environment of inclusion and acceptance.

Intergroup Dialogues

This five-session curriculum allows faculty, staff and students to use small-group format to get together to discuss diversity, equity and inclusion topics. This is done by using personal stories, developing relationships and addressing difficult topics with the same members over a semester period. Individuals who complete a five-session curriculum have the opportunity to serve as a moderator for future Intergroup Dialogues for others to participate in.

Research has shown increased levels of understanding, relationship-building and reduced levels of prejudice based on the contact hypothesis theory. For more information on how to participate, please contact the Office of Inclusive Excellence.

Inclusive Campus Events

Events throughout the year celebrate our diverse community. They include:

• Umoja Welcome and Graduation Stoling Ceremonies — Umoja, which is the Swahili word for unity, celebrates students of color entering and leaving the Susquehanna community.
• MLK Week — We commemorate the legacy of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. annually in a weeklong celebration including a Winter Convocation, a day of service and a chapel service that is open to the public.
• Black History Month — Each year, we offer a variety of events in celebration of Black History Month.
• Let’s Talk Lunches — The Center for Diversity and Inclusion hosts weekly Let’s Talk Lunches, where students, faculty and staff can enjoy pizza and thought-provoking discussion. Topics have included feminism, mental health, social media and microaggressions.
• Lavender Graduation Chording Ceremony — This event honors lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and ally students by acknowledging their achievements and contributions.