Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Our Values
Excelsior University was founded in 1971 to make the transformative power of education accessible to all. This was our mission then. It remains our mission now.
We have taken note of several actions and headlines that may seem to call into question the values supporting that mission. Nothing has changed our fundamental belief that all people have the right to pursue economic, social, educational, and professional opportunity, and that it is our shared responsibility to ensure nothing stands in the way of that pursuit. The regulatory environment in which institutions of higher education operate is ever shifting. Our mission, vision, and values are constant, and we will continue to pursue them mindful of the broader environment in which we operate.
Excelsior is and has always been open to all—in all facets of its operations. At Excelsior, inclusion means inclusion. We believe that a diverse range of viewpoints, experiences, ideas, and skills all contribute to effective problem-solving, innovation, and thriving course rooms, boardrooms, and all spaces in between.
Our Center for Social Justice will continue its important work. We will continue our efforts to cultivate a multicultural organization. This means that we will continue to strive for inclusivity in everything we do, leveraging our collective intelligence to do our best work and positively impact our organization and community.
We know members of our community are being impacted and might feel overwhelmed by ongoing challenges and changes. Excelsior University deeply values all backgrounds and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff. Daniel Pascoe Aguilar, founding director for the Center for Social Justice and Chief Diversity Officer, is available to speak with you and support you. You can reach him by email at ExcelsiorCenterforSocialJustice@excelsior.edu. We will continue to work directly with those impacted to provide support.
Let us take this occasion to reflect on the students we serve, and the values we advance in our work. Excelsior’s mission remains as vital as ever, and we are steadfast in our commitment to provide accessible education and opportunity to all learners.
Our Vision
Excelsior University strives to advance an inclusive and equitable society that provides access to education, lowers barriers to success, and creates opportunities for fulfillment and impact. We facilitate an inclusive, equitable, and just experience for all types of learners in their development as the next generation of leaders.
How We Define Social Justice
We hold the fundamental belief that all people have the right to pursue economic, social, educational, and professional opportunity, that there is a shared responsibility to ensure that nothing stands in the way of that pursuit, and that this work stands on the four principles of equity, access, participation, and human rights.
How Excelsior Is Becoming a Multicultural Organization
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INCLUSIVITY
We strive to include individuals and groups at all organizational levels and functions by treating them fairly, offering them equal access to opportunities, and representing them;
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CONTRIBUTION
We leverage the diversity of knowledge and perspectives, individuals and groups at all organizational levels and functions bring to shape our strategy, work, management, operating systems, and our core values and norms for success;
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IMPACT
We seek to improve our organization and enhance our competitive advantage by advocating and practicing social justice and diversity, equity, and inclusion within and beyond the organization.
(Adapted from Jackson & Holvino, 2008)
Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI)
To learn more about how Excelsior University advances social justice in higher education, visit:
