Saint Louis University
PA-4: Diversity and Equity Coordination

The President's Diversity Council (PDC) is an institutional council charged by the University President with advancing the university’s mission by facilitating the creation of an inclusive environment for living, learning, and working that embraces the diversity of its students, faculty, and staff. Comprised of several constituents throughout the university community, including Enrollment and Retention Management, Human Resources, International Services, Student Development, Mission and Identity, the Faculty Senate and the Student Government Association just to name a few, the PDC’s primary objective is to recommend and promote policies, practices, and programs that foster effective participation in a diverse and inclusive community. The University also has a Vice President for Diversity and Community Engagement. Working collaboratively with the Executive Staff, Deans, Department Chairs, faculty, staff, students, and key community partners, the VP for Diversity and Community Engagement facilitates and guides the development, alignment, implementation, and assessment of strategies to further diversity and inclusion on campus and social justice and community development in St. Louis city and county. The Vice President for Diversity and Community Engagement, along with the Director of the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity, serve as co-chairs of the PDC.

For students, the University has a course offering entitled Intergroup Dialogue(IGD). The IGD program is a collaborative effort between the African American Studies department and the Cross-Cultural Center. IGD courses at the University are designed to promote safe, face-to-face interaction and discussion between people of different identity groups. These courses promote understanding, social justice, and inclusion. In Fall 2016, the University implemented mandatory "Safe Zone" training for all members of the President's Advisory Council (PAC). The PAC is a 100-member body that is charged with representing the interests of faculty, staff, and students in major University decisions. The group is comprised of all vice presidents and deans, the executive leadership of the Faculty Senate and Student Government Association, the chairs of the college and school faculty councils, and a number of staff and administrative leaders. The Safe Zone ally development program helps students, faculty, and staff to learn the skills and competencies needed to develop in active allyship with the LGBTQ+ community.