Portland State University
PA-4: Diversity and Equity Coordination

“Portland State University (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, PSU has a special responsibility to work for equity and social justice and to make PSU programs truly in conjunction with our diverse constituents. The DAC was formed to support these overall goals. The charge of the DAC is to:

(a) Advise and report to the President and Provost on issues related to diversity. 
(b) Recommend to the President and the Provost the allocation/redirection of resources that support diversity initiatives and commitments.
 (c) Support curricular and pedagogical efforts to incorporate diversity and equity. 
(d) Foster research on issues related to diversity, equity and tribal sovereignty. 
(e) Create a welcoming and safe place for all persons. 
(f) Strengthen linkages with communities of diversity in the region. 
(g) Promote significant structural changes at PSU to support service to diverse constituents. 
(h) Seek outside funding sources to supplement and enhance the activities and programs of the DAC. 
(i) Design and oversee an assessment process to monitor progress on implementing the Diversity Action Plan. 
(j) Promote activities throughout the campus effectively addressing issues related to diversity. 
(k) Recognize and honor exemplary actions that contribute to a campus climate supportive of diversity. Our mission is guided by three simple and powerful truths: 1. We are educating global citizens. Students in the 21st century live in the global world and must learn to think beyond the boundaries of the nation state. Consequently, we have a responsibility to prepare students to become citizens of the world. By enabling students to successfully participate in a diverse society, we can achieve a global community that's equitable and just for all. 2. Diversity contributes to critical thinking skills. Students who develop the ability to understand alternative perspectives tend to show greater empathy and have a better capacity to solve complex social problems. They're also better prepared to take on leadership roles as decision makers and facilitators by negotiating different perspectives. That's why it's important for us to create both formal and informal environments where students can learn the issues related to diversity. 3. Knowledge Serves the City. The first two truths serve the third, which is the foundation for Portland State University's motto Let Knowledge Serve the City. We're proud to be an active and contributing partner with the city we call home. It's why we're committed to connecting with diverse communities and serving our greater urban society.”

PSU Faculty, staff and students made clear they are eager to embrace efforts to create a climate that values diversity and exemplifies mutual respect. At the same time, many pointed out that it can be difficult to know how best to respond to sensitive situations involving workplace and campus behavior – and asked for additional learning tools to assist you in that regard. We now have such a tool: an on-line education learning module available for all employees entitled: “Creating a Culture of Respect: Preventing Prohibited Discrimination and Unlawful Harassment.” All faculty, staff and student employees have been asked to complete the learning module in order to advance our efforts to make Portland State University a more inclusive place to work and learn.” The Diversity Action Council will also begin rolling out a series of quarterly cultural competency trainings. The student government (Associated Students of Portland State University) will also roll-out a cultural competency symposium training to faculty in 2015.