Diversity
Appalachian State University’s fundamental mission is to exercise rigorously the transforming power of education to cultivate intellect, forge character, inspire civility, and empower leadership in the lives of its students, faculty and staff. This mission is actualized when equal access to education and employment is guaranteed, respectful treatment is assured, and an appreciation of differences is fostered for all members of the university community.
An education that reflects the interconnectedness of all people, cultures and systems including governments, economies and religions is fundamental to students’ prospects of becoming serious scholars, strong citizens and exemplary leaders. Likewise, an institution that is a web of life and learning must be reflective of the world in which we live. Because education is the critical component in any cultural change that will ultimately benefit a greater community, and true community cannot exist unless all its members are welcomed and valued for all of their individual characteristics, Appalachian must prepare its students to live and work in a global society, where the very systems that sustain our way of life depend on interdependence with other people, cultures, governments and economies that are different from our own.
As human beings, we are revealed and make ourselves known to one another by infinite varieties of intelligence, language, race, values, politics, religion, national service, gender identity and presentation, philosophy and a host of other elements common to humankind. The recognition of a common humanity is the first step in the celebration of our differences, differences that inform our cultures, our values, our thoughts and our actions.
Thus, Appalachian State University will consciously and systematically incorporate diversity into the fabric of all of its academic, economic, employment, social, and cultural processes, creating a welcoming, supportive and inclusive environment for all members of the university community.
