A group posing at a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion event.

DEI at St. Ambrose University

Fundamental pillars of our community

As a Catholic institution, we begin from a position of faith in the God-given goodness of every individual. Ambrosians welcome and celebrate all people. Together, we create a space in which others can discover the sacredness within themselves and within others.

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How does SAU advance diversity, equity, and inclusion?

St. Ambrose University commits to ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion as core priorities as demonstrated by the intentional design of policies, procedures, resource allocations, and practices that respect the God-given dignity and worth of every individual in pursuit of social justice.

Inspired by Catholic social teaching, we resolve to foster an environment designed to dismantle all discrimination, whether based on sex, gender identity, sexuality, race, ethnicity, color, ability, language, religion, or socioeconomic status.

What is DEI?

At St. Ambrose University, we firmly believe that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are essential to a thriving campus community. We appreciate and recognize the diversity of God’s creation, which enriches the lives of our communities and world. Through an equity framework, we acknowledge the historical and persistent barriers that certain individuals face and remain unapologetically responsive to the numerous ways in which social or cultural injustice impede or propel student and employee success. We believe Inclusion is achieved when all students, faculty, and staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique talents and perspectives.

Why is diversity, equity, and inclusion important in schools?

As a Catholic university, St. Ambrose is committed to the principles of social justice, compassion, and the inherent dignity of every human person. Diversity brings a wealth of perspectives, experiences, and knowledge to our classrooms. When students are exposed to different viewpoints, it challenges them to think clearly and develop their own informed opinions. This can lead to more engaged and meaningful learning experiences, as well as improved intellectual growth and personal development.

Student leaders in DEI initiatives standing on staircase together, smiling for photo.

By promoting DEI on campus, we:

Prepare students to navigate the complex world with empathy
Enable students to understand and work effectively with people from all walks of life

What does DEI look like on campus?

St. Ambrose strives to be a place where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued. DEI is essential for creating an inclusive and supportive campus climate for all students, faculty, and staff.

History of serving a diverse student body

St. Ambrose has a history of providing education to all people, regardless of their background or circumstances. Today, we continue to attract students from a wide range of ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

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Located in a diverse community

The Quad Cities, where St. Ambrose calls home, is a region with a rich immigration history and diverse population. The university has a responsibility to reflect the diversity of the community it serves in its student body.

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DEI course requirements

We have courses designated to foster a sense of cultural understanding and equip students with skills needed to respond to discrimination experienced by marginalized groups. These courses demonstrate our core values of diversity and social justice.

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SAU’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

DEI is a deeply ingrained value that guides our actions and decisions. We made significant strides to advance DEI on campus, but we recognize there is always more work to be done. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to report any instances of bias or hate they witness.

Here are some of our ongoing DEI initiatives:

Recruitment and retention of diverse students, faculty, and staff
Initiatives and trainings designed to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment
Institutional support for student organizations that promote diversity and inclusion
Campus-wide events and programming that celebrate diverse perspectives and populations
Ongoing assessment and evaluation of our DEI efforts
A campus community where people of all identities and backgrounds are welcomed and honored

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Does SAU offer DEI scholarships?

St. Ambrose University has specific scholarships and programs designed to support underrepresented students. These initiatives aim to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion within the student body. Some scholarships and programs target specific backgrounds, such as ethnic minorities and first-generation college students, and those demonstrating a financial need. These opportunities align with our commitment to an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.

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How does SAU celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion?

The DEI Office and SAU students coordinate events throughout the year that celebrate the differences among us. Some events coincide with the following:

Civil Rights Week (end of January)
Black History Month (February)
Women’s History Month (March)
Multicultural Week (late March)
Asian Pacific Heritage Month (May)
LGBTQ Pride Month (June)
Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15)
Native American Heritage Month (November)
National First Generation Day (November 8)

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How can students get involved in DEI initiatives?

The university provides various avenues for students to actively participate and contribute to DEI initiatives.

Student Organizations: Join or form student-led organizations focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Events: Attend workshops, seminars, and events organized by the university or student groups that address DEI topics.
Volunteering: Engage in community service, volunteer work, or advocacy efforts that support DEI causes.
Collaborative Projects: Participate in collaborative projects or initiatives aiming to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across campus.
Dialogue and Discussions: Take part in open forums, discussion groups, or dialogues that foster conversations around DEI-related issues.

Leadership Opportunities: Seek leadership roles within student government or other relevant bodies to advocate for DEI concerns.

What steps are taken to promote an inclusive environment?

At St. Ambrose University, we’re dedicated to fostering a truly inclusive campus environment. To achieve this goal, we’re implementing various initiatives and programs. These include:

Diversity Training: Host training sessions for faculty, staff, and students to promote cultural competency and sensitivity
Cultural Events: Host diverse cultural events, celebrations, and awareness campaigns to encourage cross-cultural interactions
Diversity Committees: Establish committees focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion to assess and implement strategies for improvement
Resource Centers: Provide dedicated spaces and resources that celebrate diverse identities and offer support for underrepresented groups
Curriculum Enhancement: Infuse different perspectives into academic programs and course content to create a more inclusive learning environment
Support Services: Offer mentoring, counseling, and support services tailored to the needs of diverse student populations

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At SAU, the Fighting Bees are encouraged to explore every opportunity to grow and learn, finally becoming the person they are meant to be.