Cultivate
Cultivating an inclusive learning environment where intersections of social identities feel welcomed, valued, and a sense of belonging
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Our Commitment
The College of Arts & Science (CAS) is committed to providing a high-quality learning and workplace environment that is intentionally diverse and equitable, built on the Inclusive Excellence Framework, and affirms, engages, and values differences.
Our Definition of Diversity
In the College of Arts and Science, we view diversity holistically, understanding that the definition is constantly evolving. Our definition of diversity includes but is not limited to race, ethnicity, color, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, class, religion, disability, age, military status, visa status, economic status, geographic location, and language/linguistic ability. Diverse and well-reasoned ideas, approaches, and experiences are also essential parts of inclusion and equity.
Our Guiding Principles and Values
Miami University is committed to and fully embraces the philosophy and belief that a diverse academic community is among an institution's greatest strengths. As decades of research and experience have shown, every unit and individual on campus benefits from diversity when there is an environment where people from a wide variety of backgrounds learn from one another, share ideas, and work collaboratively to ask and solve questions.
This is especially important given Miami's commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching and learning. A diverse and inclusive campus enhances the living, learning, and working environment for every student, staff, and faculty member. Together, these benefits help Miami achieve its special mission as a public institution in Ohio, educating students across the state and preparing them to be leaders in a variety of fields who are ready for the demands of the 21st-century workforce. We, therefore, aspire to attract and retain a broadly diverse group of faculty, staff, and students.
Our Role with Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice
CAS faculty are nationally and world-renowned researchers with top scholarly achievements in the fields of diversity, critical race, and social justice. CAS commits to being a leader in engaging faculty, staff, students, and the broader university community on the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.
We are committed to:
Engage
Engaging in continuous learning and fostering inclusive leadership through utilization of a diverse curriculum and peer-reviewed, academically validated assessments that strengthen our ability to lead with cultural intelligence in a multicultural, global world
Build
Building community and deepening understanding through engaging in the dialogue and discussion to influence understanding of each other's experiences and cultivate individual and collective agency to effect social change
Enhance
Enhancing student success through the promotion of excellence, accountability, and new innovative retention initiatives
Serve
Serving as a focal point at Miami for cutting-edge research, critical pedagogy, and curricular offerings in the fields of diversity, critical race, and social justice
Support
Supporting equity, inclusivity, and pipeline programs to maximize access to learning for historically underrepresented and marginalized populations
Stand
Standing in solidarity with our Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities and serving as advocates and allies in the fight for racial and social justice
Strengthen
Strengthening and enhancing internal and external collaborations and partnerships with scholars and leaders in the field of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice
Diversity Efforts By Program
LEADS Institute
The LEADS Institute is an Academic Excellence and Leadership Accelerator in the College of Arts and Science (CAS) lauched to better address high-achieving diverse students' academic, professional, cultural, and social interests, Major initiatives include HASS Scholars, STEMM Scholars, and a pre-professional Arts & Science Multicultural Association (ASMA).
Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation
The Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) is an honors STEM program funded by the National Science Foundation that aims to significantly increase high-achieving historically underrepresented student recruitment, retention, and attainment in STEM degrees and careers, and graduate school.
First-Generation
Miami's First-Generation initiative seeks to build a community of first-generation college students and their allies while celebrating their resilience, tenacity, and achievements.
CIQS Day
CIQS (Careers Involving Quantitative Skills) Day invites young high school women to Miami University to explore prospective fields and majors in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Faculty and students lead engaging workshops and panels throughout the day.
Student Citizens
Student Citizens is a new summer scholarship program and two-week residential experience focused on the humanities and designed for rising seniors who attend high schools in southwest Ohio (a 50-mile radius of Miami's Oxford campus).
Academic Programs Devoted to Diversity and Social Justice
The College of Arts and Science has numerous academic programs relevant to diversity and social justice:
Our Leadership
Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Carolyn S. Craig, MBA, CDP, ACCQP was named the inaugural Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in 2020 and also serves as the Academic Diversity Officer (ADO) for the CAS. She provides leadership in developing and implementing strategic diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging plans and initiatives to engage faculty, staff, and students in the college community. As ADO, Carolyn partners with the dean, university administrators, and others to lead diversity and inclusion initiatives designed to remove barriers and increase participation by historically underrepresented and ethnically diverse communities in higher education, including serving as Program Director for the CAS LEADS Institute Programs [e.g., Humanities & Social Science Scholars Program (HASS), Dean's STEMM Scholars Program, and Arts and Science Multicultural Association (
DEI Special Projects Assistant (Graduate Assistant)
Destinee Henderson is a graduate student in the College of Education, Health, and Society pursuing her Master of Social Work. Destinee obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Miami University as well. As the DEI Special Projects Assistant in the College of Arts and Sciences, Destinee plans to utilize her passion for social justice and empowering scholars from marginalized communities to help her make a difference and have a major impact in the role. Destinee is also currently interning with Catalyst Counseling doing school-based mental health at Riverview Elementary School. This aligns with her passions for mental health and social justice by lifting barriers to access to proper mental health care in high-need communities. Destinee is excited to be working in roles that align with her yearning to develop more equitable communities.
We want to hear from you. Please submit feedback, suggestions, or ideas related to CAS diversity and inclusion efforts and initiatives via casdiversity@MiamiOH.edu.
Report an Incident
The College of Arts and Science
Representing nearly half of all students, the College of Arts and Science (CAS) is Miami University's largest division and the centerpiece of liberal arts — the wide range of subjects in the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities crucial for the development of key professional skills desired by employers.
Contact Us
100 Bishop Circle
143 Upham Hall
Miami University
Oxford, Ohio 45056
General Inquiries: 513-529-1234 (cas@MiamiOH.edu)
Advising: 513-529-3031 (casadvising@MiamiOH.edu)
Diversity: 513-529-1234 (casdiversity@MiamiOH.edu)
