University of the Incarnate Word
PA-5: Diversity and Equity Coordination

The University of Incarnate Word’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is firmly rooted in our mission as a “Catholic institution that welcomes to its community persons of diverse backgrounds, in the belief that their respectful interaction advances the discovery of truth, mutual understanding, self-realization, and the common good.” UIW’s historical dedication to social justice and human dignity is in our roots and DNA as a ministry of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, whose charism is  “…to make the love of God a real and tangible presence in the world today.” 

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion was established within the department of Mission & Ministry in 2021, after an extensive campus climate assessment and consultation. Its primary purpose is to create, implement, and assess learning, engagement, and programmatic opportunities and initiatives for faculty, staff, and students that raise their awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues. The Office of DEI collaborates with the University community to facilitate the learning and working environment to ensure all individuals have an equitable opportunity to succeed in the classroom, in the work environment, or in any campus activity.   

The Associate Vice President for Mission and Ministry (DEI) oversees and coordinates UIW’s DEI efforts.  He reports to the Vice President for Mission and Ministry and the Mission Committee of the UIW Board of Trustees. The Mission Committee meets quarterly and reviews the progress of the DEI office.

Ad hoc and standing committees are convened by the Associate VP to collaboratively address special needs and projects.  Examples include the following: Planning committees for Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Juneteenth, etc. 

Follow links for more details: 

 Black History Month Celebrations Continue at the Nest

 Celebrating Black History Month and UIW Closes Out BHM with Two Events.

Women’s History Month Website

 Hispanic Heritage Month Website,

UIW Hosts 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration,

·      A special committee (students, faculty, and staff who identify as LGBTQ+) oversaw our planning and implementation of Ally training to better serve our students and staff who identify as LGBTQ+.   

·      An advisory committee of faculty, staff, and students is currently helping with the development and implementation of a campus climate study.

The Office of DEI has collaborated with faculty and staff to develop the following formation sessions that are offered every semester: 

·      DEI Circles for conversation and community-building. These are opportunities to find a safe and brave space to learn and teach about critical DEI issues. The primary goal is to foster awareness and actively build a community of belonging among students, employees, and CCVI Sisters.

·      “The Gift of Diversity” – This session engages participants in conversation about the gift of being part of a diverse teaching and learning community at UIW. The goal is to build a common language and understanding about diversity in its many dimensions – physical, cultural, racial, gender, sexual orientation, religious, etc. Participants identify the gifts of their personal identity and pledge to grow in greater awareness and respect for diversity.

·      “The Call to Inclusion” – In a safe, nonjudgmental setting, participants bravely assess their level of intercultural sensitivity and inclusion of people from diverse backgrounds. The group reflects on how unconscious biases, stereotypes, microaggressions, and prejudices block the possibilities for respectful and rewarding relationships. Participants set goals for developmental growth in intercultural competence to build an inclusive community where all belong.

·      Pray and Act for Racial Justice - After the horrific murder of George Floyd, UIW leadership called for the community to pray.  Prayer has led students, staff, and faculty to action for racial justice through education and activism.  We continue to gather every Friday at noon to nourish our commitment to peace and justice through communal, interfaith prayer. Click the following to read more: UIW Holds Prayer Circles for Racial Justice

·      LGTBQ+ Ally Training – We  regularly offer three training sessions designed to help allies learn about what it means to come out, invite others in, and to disclose one’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity today. Trainers share recommendations for individuals who are planning to come out, as well as for allies who want to do all that they can to celebrate and support family, friends, students, and/or coworkers that have recently come out. 

The Following are key partners with the DEI office:

·      “As One, We Will” (AOWW) is a student organization that works closely with the DEI office to raise awareness of social justice issues among students.  AOWW is a key partner in garnering robust participation in the annual Martin Luther King Jr. and the Cesar Chávez Marches. They also help organize many DEI circles and an annual DEI Summit for student athletes.  For more details, please click the following:  Faith in Action: UIW Walks for Social Justice at Annual MLK March

·      The Standout Alliance (SOA), is another student organization that works closely with the DEI Office to promote and ensure inclusion for members of the LGBTQ+ community. 

·      “Hispanic Serving Institution Committee” The DEI office was instrumental in convening an HSI ad hoc committee to support the efforts of the Student Success Office and a diverse group of UIW colleagues and faculty who want to  strengthen UIW’s “serving-ness” to Latino(a) students and families.  Recently this committee became a standing committee of the Provost’s Office.  We are committed to developing strategic goals to strengthen UIW’s capacity to truly serve Hispanic students, especially first generation and low income students.