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Diversity and Inclusion

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Diversity & Inclusion
Because diverse people, perspectives and ideas create an optimal learning and research environment, we strive to foster an inclusive, accessible and welcoming campus culture.
Campus Culture

Our Commitment to Social Justice

At the School of Information, we put human values at the heart of what we do. Those values include respecting each other by supporting diversity and inclusion, and are reflected in our commitment to provide a supportive environment for everyone who is (or wishes to become) part of our community. Diversity means different things to different people, but includes respect for others from various backgrounds, cultures, genders, orientations, socio-economic statuses, nationalities, religions, beliefs, abilities, and other visible and invisible aspects of what makes each person unique. Our commitment to inclusion demands that we embrace our differences, and draw upon the strength that engaging with diverse perspectives and experiences brings.

We put human values at the heart of what we do.

We are a community of scholars, and our scholarly dialogue is enriched when we are challenged to think in new ways about ourselves and others. At the School of Information, diversity and inclusion is not a check-box exercise that will be completed, but an ongoing commitment to seek out new voices and perspectives, to challenge ourselves to understand the viewpoints of others, to celebrate diversity, and to create a supportive environment for students, faculty, staff, friends, and colleagues. At those points in our journey where we fall short of this goal, we will learn from our mistakes and improve the School going forward. It is my great good fortune to be the Dean of the iSchool, and my honor to welcome all who can enhance our community through your participation.

Warm regards,
Eric T. Meyer
Mary R. Boyvey Chair, Louis T. Yule Regents Professor
Dean of the iSchool

Definitions

Diversity refers to differences across a group of people (for example, in gender identity, religion, race, age, or veteran status) that derive from demographic traits or life experiences.

Inclusion describes the acceptance of, respect for, reflection of, and engagement of diverse peoples and the beliefs, values, and perspectives they may hold.

Diversity is a matter of representation (the range of traits and life experiences among us) while inclusion is a matter of a welcoming environment for a diverse group of people.

Fully Free

Fully Free Art Collective Installation

The Fully Free Art Collective installation, currently located on the 5th floor of the UT Administration Building, is a project that brings visibility to an array of social identities, adding more diverse representation to the mainstream image of identity. It also showcases the many aspects of society that do not allow people of specific identities to present as their full selves. The installation is meant to demonstrate the iSchool's commitment to representation and visibility of diverse people and their experiences. We believe in creating a more inclusive and socially just future for us all.

Fully Free Art Collective

Resources

iSchool Diversity & Inclusion Committee

The D&I Committee is dedicated to increasing the iSchool's diversity and creating an inclusive community that welcomes all students, staff, faculty, and friends of the school.

iSchool Minority Liaison Officer

Dr. Loriene Roy is the iSchool’s faculty Minority Liaison Officer. She is available for students to discuss issues in the school or challenges that they face, to assist faculty in planning course materials, and to help coordinate and promote community events.

Gender & Sexual Identity

The Gender and Sexuality Center (GSC) provides opportunities for all members of the UT Austin community to explore, organize, and promote learning around issues of gender and sexuality.

Disability Resources

The university is dedicated to making our learning environment inclusive, accessible, and welcoming for all members of our community.

International Students

UT is home to one of the largest international academic communities in the country. International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) provides an array of services, including advising appointments to address personal immigration, employment, health insurance and tax regulations.

Division of Diversity and Community Engagement

The Division of Diversity and Community Engagement (DDCE) works with a broad range of student, faculty, staff, and community constituents to help The University of Texas at Austin connect its intellectual resources to communities across Texas and offer education to those who may face the greatest challenges in accessing it. The Division focuses on four core pillars: campus culture, community engagement, education pipeline, and research.


© The University of Texas at Austin 2020