Culture and Definitions
NSU has a longstanding commitment to social progress and social justice. We believe in living our values and strive for inclusive excellence in all aspects of our university. The BEDI Advisory Council was created to help guide NSU’s efforts related to diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusion. We define these concepts below.
Belonging means full membership in the NSU community, not only in formal participation but also in an affirming sense of community with inclusive people, physical spaces, and organizational structures.
Equity includes the creation of opportunities, systems, and structures which remove barriers and close gaps in outcomes for those from historically underrepresented groups.
NSU believes that diversity includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, philosophy, gender, viewpoint, physical, socioeconomic status, age, and sexual orientation. Differences in interpretations and reactions derived from diversity are important, as is mutual respect for all. Diversity makes NSU a stronger university and enriches a learning environment focused on preparing individuals to live and work in a global society.
Whereas the word diversity refers to all forms of difference, the term inclusion refers to the act or state of being included. To include is to actively invite presence and participation; diversity defines what we invite: variety. Inclusion represents the interaction, mutual respect, and sense of community among those from diverse backgrounds and with diverse perspectives within a particular environment.