Initiatives

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion provides leadership and support for the University of Dayton's strategic efforts to advance opportunity and belonging for everyone. Our goal is to create and sustain a campus environment that celebrates and values the unique gifts each person brings, so that all feel empowered to contribute to the mission of the institution.

Affinity Groups for Faculty and Staff

The University of Dayton invites and encourages faculty and staff to build community, share ideas and support one another. A variety of affinity groups exist on campus, including groups that represent individuals who share an affinity with African American, Asian American Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latinx, Jewish and LGBTQ+ communities. Each group is open to any and all faculty and staff members regardless of identity.

Bias Advisory Council

Creating an inclusive climate at the University of Dayton is everyone's responsibility. The Bias Advisory Council strives to provide consistent communication and accountability from the University in response to bias-related incidents.

Dialogue Zone

The Dialogue Zone offers a variety of programs and services that help students, faculty and staff engage in difficult conversations about critical topics facing the UD community and society as a whole.

Greater West Dayton Conversation

The Greater West Dayton Conversation (GWDC) is a collaborative initiative between the University of Dayton and the Greater West Dayton communities. This intentional engagement creates a space to brainstorm mutually beneficial paths forward. Guided by a steering committee of community members and University leaders, the GWDC supports the University's commitment to advancing knowledge and promoting social justice. The committee, whose members represent the public sector, business, neighborhood and campus community, ensures strategic alignment and facilitates initiatives — like the Greater West Dayton Incubator — that drive progress toward shared goals.

Inclusive Excellence Academy

Faculty and staff are invited to increase their knowledge and enhance their skills by attending Inclusive Excellence Academy (IEA) sessions. The IEA helps participants build understanding and develop lasting initiatives for creating learning and working environments that support opportunity for everyone. Past workshops have covered topics such as fostering belonging and engagement in the classroom, navigating cross-cultural conversations, supporting first-gen students and disability on college campuses.


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The University of Dayton's commitment to Inclusive Excellence is rooted in the Catholic and Marianist conviction that every person has innate dignity because all people are made in the image and likeness of God. Social or cultural discrimination is incompatible with God's design. Efforts to lead everyone to excellence through access and inclusion emanate from the University of Dayton's call to solidarity and the common good.

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Contact Office of Diversity and Inclusion
300 College Park
Dayton, Ohio 45469 - 1626
email