In our continual effort to challenge perpetual and inherent systems of oppression, Residence Life is using a curricular approach with the intention of creating a space for consistent dialogue around all aspects of identity. We are actively engaging in the critique of our processes, practices, and frameworks to better serve our students and create a more socially just community.
To achieve this, we have five guiding DEI tenets, multiple DEI initiatives for both student and staff learning and development, and a DEI calendar that serves as a resource for students and staff to learn more about the diverse variety of holidays, observances, festivals, and more that occur throughout the year
We encourage you to join us on this journey, learn more about our guiding tenets, the how behind our work, and what we stand for.
Residence Life’s Five Guiding Tenets
1: Understanding Historical Frameworks
Understanding our histories and providing context to our institutional identity in order to ground the “why” in what we need to change, as we strive for more socially just communities.
2: Engaging and Sitting with Discomfort
Educating on ways to sit with and process levels of fragility. While centering the identities we hold, we recognize how implicit biases can impact how we engage with students, staff and the broader University community.
3: Seeking to Understand Power, Privilege, and Oppression in Organizations
How we engage with, communicate across, and seek to understand systemic issues of oppression and privilege within our institutional systems. Challenging ourselves to expect and promote justice/equity-based decisions in our organization.
4: Ensuring Equity in Practice
Critiquing current oppressive practices, processes, and frameworks that guide our day to day interactions personally and professionally. Putting a focus on the impact to all that we serve in our work toward equity and justice.
5: Restorative Justice as Action
Enacting systems of accountability when inequities are identified. Holding oneself and others accountable for addressing and repairing harm caused. Establishing a commitment to continual learning to advocate for and create change.
