Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Our Initiatives

• Black Community Initiatives

  As part of its DEI action plan, DU is committing resources to address its inconsistent history and uneven, on-going support of our Black community members. The goal through these efforts is to create substantive and sustainable programs and initiatives to ensure that our Black students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community partners feel welcome, holistically supported, and a vital part of the growth and excellence of the University of Denver now and into the future.

  Visit the Black Community Initiatives website 

• Interdisciplinary Research Institute for the Study of (In)Equality (IRISE)

  The Interdisciplinary Research Institute for the Study of (In)Equality (IRISE) is the intellectual home for faculty and students to engage in the development of cutting edge interdisciplinary research on issues of inequality, social justice, and inclusivity. IRISE seeks to advance Inclusive Excellence, diversity, and equity at DU, as well as furthering DU's public good mission by extending and connecting this work across campus to locally diverse communities in a comprehensive and meaningful way. 

  Visit the IRISE website

• Indigenous and Native American Initiatives

  ODEI supports Indigenous and Native American initiatives including increasing access to a DU education through support and financial aid. They also include addressing the recruitment and retention of Native American and Indigenous faculty and staff, building an on-campus Sand Creek Massacre memorial, as well as a permanent interior exhibit with accompanying curricula on DU’s history and exploring the creation of a Center for Native American and Indigenous Studies, among other efforts.

  Visit the Indigenous Initiatives website

• The Latinx Center

  The Latinx Center at the University of Denver advances critical interdisciplinary research, scholarly and creative work, and curricular development related to the historical, political, cultural, and intellectual legacy of Latinx people. The Center promotes and advances knowledge affecting the Latinx community through hosting visiting Latinx scholars, filmmakers, poets, performing artists and culture critics; providing grants that support scholarship and creative works on topics that contribute to the knowledge and experience of the Latinx community nationally and internationally; providing research briefs on areas of policy that affect the Latinx community; and supporting graduate education for University of Denver Latinx students and students engaging in research focused on the Latinx issues, concerns, and culture.

  Visit the Latinx Center website

• DEI Fellows

  The Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’s Fellows Program will advance the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), creating and further embedding a capacity-building resource within and alongside academic & non-academic departments at the University of Denver.  

  The DEI Fellows are helping divisions advance DEI efforts with support (both in terms of funding and training) and coordination from the University at large. As a unit-based role, DEI Fellows work within their divisions toward realizing DU’s vision outlined within the DEI Action Plan and its goals to begin creating a coordinated, consistent, and connected leadership and accountability structure for DEI at all levels of the university.

• DEI Retention and Recruitment

  The retention and recruitment of an outstanding and diverse faculty is identified as vital to the continued success of the University of Denver. It is known that exposure to a broad spectrum of perspectives and diverse forms of knowledge leads to a more stimulating and rich educational experience for students and faculty.

• Faculty and Staff Affinity Group Support

  Affinity groups serve as important support, promoting the success of underrepresented faculty and staff. The Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion serves as the liaison providing support and service to faculty affinity groups, while HRIC provides support and service to staff affinity groups, helping to promote successful employment on campus.

  Click here for the most up to date list of affinity groups