Inclusion

• Inclusion is the active, intentional, and ongoing engagement with diverse groups of people. An inclusive community embraces diversity to strengthen the organization and can contribute to an individual’s sense of belonging in that community. An inclusive college environment is one where diverse individuals feel represented in decision-making, valued, and respected for their unique contributions, and supported to participate fully to achieve their potential.

Our Commitment: ACES is a place for everyone; we take steps to ensure that diverse perspectives are included and that every member of our community feels a sense of belonging.

Equity

• Equity is the practice of ensuring that personal identities or social circumstances are not obstacles to achieving one’s potential. Equity refers to fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all students, faculty, and staff. Ensuring equity requires a commitment to identifying and eliminating barriers - both historic and current - that have prevented the full participation of some Equitable policies and practices are intended to address and correct such imbalances to ensure that everyone, within their social identities, receives what they need to be successful.

Our Commitment: In all the work that we do, ACES strives to provide equitable access to the resources and opportunities we offer.

Belonging

• Belonging is the feeling of being valued, respected, and included within a community or environment. It goes beyond mere presence, ensuring that individuals feel seen, heard, and supported in their identities and contributions. In an academic and professional setting, belonging fosters trust, engagement, and collaboration by creating spaces where diverse perspectives are embraced and equitable opportunities are available to all. When belonging is prioritized, individuals are empowered to fully participate, thrive, and contribute to a culture of inclusivity and shared success.

Our Commitment: The College of ACES is committed to fostering a culture of belonging where all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported in their identities and contributions. We strive to create an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are embraced, equitable opportunities are accessible, and every member of our community can thrive.

Diversity

• Diversity refers to differences within a group. There are the multiple identities around which people can differ, such as race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ability or disability status, national origin, socio-economic standing, religion, indigeneity, family structure, and many more. Diversity can be expressed in different experiences, perspectives, worldviews, modes of communication, behaviors, and belief systems or values as related to these intersecting social identities. 

Our Commitment: ACES is committed to supporting diversity in the college. Diverse perspectives generate novel insights and advance knowledge growth. Embracing diversity means focusing on the strengths and wisdom that people of different identities bring, while also acknowledging that these individuals do not live in the world the same way given institutional and structural power differences.