PSU's Diversity Initiative

Diversity emerged as one of the primary institutional issues identified by faculty, staff, and students in the 1999 Commission on Campus Climate and Life Report. From this report, the president identified "Diversity" as one of three campus wide initiatives that was to begin in 2000. As a campus, PSU recognizes that diversity in faculty, staff and student populations enriches the educational experience, promotes personal growth, strengthens communities and the workplace, and enhances an individual's personal and professional opportunities. As a public university, we have a special responsibility to work for equity and social justice and to make our programs truly accessible to our diverse constituents.

To achieve these overall goals expressed around diversity and campus climate the president appointed a Diversity Action Council. The Diversity Action Council, with input from the campus and surrounding communities, designed a Diversity Action Plan with four goals. Each of the goals addresses an area of diversity that enhances climate and quality of life at PSU for faculty, staff, students, and administrators. The Diversity Action Council collaborates with units across campus to offer support and/or to engage them in the goals and activities articulated in the Diversity Action Plan. The diversity initiative is facilitated by Martha Balshem, Interim Director of the Center for Academic Excellence. Please feel free to contact Dr. Balshem (503-725-5642) if you want to become more active and involved with this critically important initiative or if you have questions about the initiative.

Portland State University's Diversity Action Plan

PSU's Diversity Initiative