Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging

Diversity in the College

The College of Arts and Sciences offers programming, scholarships and resources for students and faculty to foster, encourage and promote diversity. Led by our Diversity Committee, we take great care to help all students thrive and build a foundation to enter the professional world.

You are welcome here

 

Definition of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

The Association of Public and Land Grant Universities (APLU) recognizes that diversity is complex and intersectional and includes a wide range of racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender identities, as well as economic and geographic backgrounds, physical abilities, life experiences, political, religious, and personal beliefs. To that end, APLU defines diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging as follows:

Diversity is the presence and representation of differences that enrich the community and
workplace. Differences include, but are not limited to identity, culture, background, abilities,
opinions, and experiences.

Equity, and equity-mindedness, is the action of ensuring access, resources, and opportunities
through removing systemic barriers, particularly for historically underrepresented groups.

Inclusion is the intentional action of valuing everyone, regardless of background, beliefs, or
identities. This includes creating a culture and community where everyone, especially those
from historically underrepresented groups, have access to resources, voices are heard, and
contributions are valued.

Belonging is the feeling individuals, particularly those from historically underrepresented groups who have experienced exclusion in the past, have in places that have intentionally actionized
diversity, equity, and inclusion to create a culture that supports the feeling of security,
acceptance, and value.

Understanding of Diversity

The College of Arts and Sciences seeks to foster diversity and is commited to recruiting, retaining and providing resources for members of populations that have been under-represented in university education in the U.S. This goes beyond increasing the numbers of under-represented students, faculty and staff. We are committed to providing substantial curricular offerings, resources and programming that foregrounds the knowledge, perspectives, cultures and histories of marginalized communities. A truly diverse college culture and structure benefits all members of the university community and better serves our students so they can excel in an increasingly global and multicultural world.

View the Recommendations for Action document from the College of Arts and Sciences Diversity Committee.

View this K-State Land Acknowledgement video by CaleMitchell Co. on Vimeo

View the K-State Land Acknowledgement in writing (pdf).

 

Diversity Lecture Series

Dr. February with Dean Culbertson, Dean Choma and Dr. Jesse Nippert

The College of Arts and Sciences provides funding to host prominent speakers, presenters, or performers whose presentations address issues of diversity or multiculturalism in general or in the context of a given discipline or group of disciplines.

In 2022, the series featured Dr. Edmund February, a prominent botanist, human rights advocate and mountain climber from Cape Town, South Africa. The lecture, "From Apartheid to diversity in South Africa," addressed February's experience with education, class and power during and after Apartheid in South Africa.

Annual Civil Rights Teach-In

Every January, the College of Arts and Sciences and its partners host the Civil Rights Teach-In featuring presentations that spark powerful discussions regarding teaching and research as it pertains to current social issues and the legacy of activism at K-State and beyond.

10th Annual Civil Rights Teach-In — Wed., Jan. 24, 2024

Student Diversity Summit

The college's Student Diversity Summit focuses on understanding cultural competencies at K-State and why this is vital to creating an inclusive environment. It usually features student speakers and an interactive panel discussion. It is open to all students, faculty, staff and members of the community.

Professor Douglas K. Benson Award

The Professor Douglas K. Benson Award is a $500-$1,000 scholarship for full-time College of Arts and Sciences students who have at least a 2.0 GPA and have made contributions to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) on campus. Applicants must submit a resume, a form of expression (essay, picture, poem, drawing, dance, music, etc.) representing DEIB, and a 150-200 word summary of their appreciation for DEIB in a global world. The deadline is March 15.

 

Davids-Dunham Award

The College of Arts and Sciences Diversity Committee uses the Davids-Dunham Award to celebrate faculty members who identify with underrepresented groups for their excellence in scholarship, and who, through their scholastic efforts, support diversity at K-State. The Davids-Dunham Award is named for Sharice Davids and Ann Dunham, both of whom represent Kansas, have contributed to a discipline included in the College of Arts and Sciences, and have made tremendous contributions to our society. Their work embodies the spirit of this award.

 

Contact Us

The Diversity Committee wants to hear your comments or suggestions as we work towards achieving our goals. If you see a broken link, know of an additional resource or want more information about us, do not hesitate to contact us.

E-mail: cas-diversity@k-state.edu

College of Arts and Sciences
107 Calvin Hall
Manhattan, KS 66502-1005

Phone: 785-532-6904
Fax:
785-532-7004