KCU Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council Charter

Mission: The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Council at Kansas City University is committed to fostering a campus environment that values and celebrates diversity, promotes equity and ensures inclusion for all students. The council aims to create a campus community where every student feels seen, heard and respected, regardless of background, identity or lived experiences. The DEI Council champions equitable policies, decision-making, accountability and transparency from the institution, and a community where all are supported.

Vision: The DEI Council envisions a campus where diversity is acknowledged and embraced, equity is actively pursued and inclusion is woven into the fabric of everyday life. We aspire to cultivate a culture that fosters understanding, empathy and collaboration among all students.

Goals and Objectives

  1. Promote Awareness and Understanding
    • Organize events, workshops and campaigns to raise awareness about diversity, equity and inclusion.
    • Encourage open dialogue and discussions on campus to enhance understanding of different perspectives and experiences
  2. Advocate for Equity
    • Identify and address systemic barriers that hinder the academic and personal success of students from marginalized groups.
    • Collaborate with academic departments and administrative units to promote inclusive policies and practices.
  3. Foster Inclusive Campus Practices
    • Support the development and implementation of inclusive teaching and practices in classrooms.
    • Work with campus organizations to ensure inclusivity in extracurricular activities, events and programs.
  4. Provide Resources and Support
    • Establish and maintain a resource hub for students, providing information on support services, cultural organizations and community resources.
    • Advocate for the expansion of mental health services that are sensitive to the diverse needs of the student population.
  5. Community Building and Celebrating Diversity
    • Organize and support cultural events, heritage celebrations and diversity-themed programs.
    • Facilitate the creation of affinity groups and provide a platform for students to connect and celebrate their unique identities.
  6. Monitoring and Evaluation
    • Regularly assess the campus climate through surveys and feedback mechanisms to identify areas for improvement.
    • Collaborate with relevant offices to track progress on diversity, equity and inclusion goals.

 


Membership

Membership in the DEI Council is open to all students in the College of Osteopathic Medicine and College of Dental Medicine located on the Joplin campus who share a commitment to the mission and objectives outlined in this charter. Members are expected to attend meetings and participate in any initiatives or events organized by the council.

Graschelle Hipolito - Chair

Christopher Ahmed - Vice-Chair

Nur Irfan – Secretary

Yasmeen Sawalha – COM 2027 Representative

Hossein Pourtaghi – COM 2027 Representative

Marion Mines – CDM 2027 Representative