Diversity and Equity

Diversity and Equity Statement

The Department of German and Russian is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable academic community where all individuals are valued and supported regardless of their background, identity, or experiences. Diversity is essential to our department’s vitality and enriches our student’s educational experiences and our faculty’s scholarly endeavors.

Our commitment to equity is grounded in the following principles:

Diversity and Inclusion: We recognize the value of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences and actively seek to create an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and respected. We aim to reflect the diversity of the world’s German and Russian-speaking communities in our curriculum, faculty, staff, and student body.

Equal Opportunities: We are dedicated to providing equal opportunities for all individuals to excel in their academic pursuits, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic. We strive to eliminate barriers to access and success.

Cultural Competence: We emphasize the importance of cultural competence and cross-cultural understanding in our language and culture programs. Our curriculum encourages critical reflection on cultural differences and promotes intercultural communication skills.

Equitable Support: We are committed to offering support and resources to underrepresented groups, ensuring that they have the tools and mentorship necessary to succeed academically and professionally.

Promotion of Equity in Research and Scholarship: We encourage research and scholarship that address equity, diversity, and inclusion issues within the German and Russian-speaking worlds. We promote research that contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of these regions’ complex social, cultural, and political dynamics.

Ongoing Education and Training: We provide ongoing education and training opportunities for our faculty, staff, and students to raise awareness about issues of equity and promote cultural competency within the department.

Open Dialog: We foster an environment of open dialog where members of our community can engage in constructive conversations about equity-related issues, share their experiences, and collaborate on initiatives that promote equity and inclusion.

Accountability: We hold ourselves accountable for the goals outlined in this equity statement. We regularly assess our progress, learn from our experiences, and adapt our policies and practices to better advance equity within our department.

By adhering to these principles, the Department of German and Russian strives to create an academic community that reflects the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to preparing our students to engage with the global world and to contribute to a more just and equitable society. Together, we work towards a future where all members of our community can thrive and succeed.