Office of Inclusive Excellence

Core Definitions

Diversity: Individual differences (e.g., personality, learning styles, and life experiences) and group/social differences (e.g., race/ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, country of origin, and ability as well as cultural, political, religious, or other affiliations).

Inclusion: The active, intentional, and ongoing engagement with diversity—in the curriculum, in the co-curriculum, and in communities (intellectual, social, cultural, geographical) with which individuals might connect—in ways that increase awareness, content knowledge, cognitive sophistication, and empathic understanding of the complex ways individuals interact within systems and institutions.

Equity: The creation of opportunities for historically underrepresented populations to have equal access to and participate in educational programs that are capable of closing the achievement gaps in student success and completion.

Equity-mindedness: A demonstrated awareness of and willingness to address equity issues among institutional leaders and staff (Center for Urban Education, University of Southern California).

CSUMB Sustainability - Sustainability is the simultaneous pursuit of human health and happiness, environmental quality, and economic well-being for current and future generations. (President's Sustainability Committee, 2016)

Inclusive Sustainability - Improving the environment and the lives of those living within it regardless of income, class or identity. In fact, it seeks to promote all unique cultural and ethnic traditions that support, respect and provide stewardship for the earth and its resources. (CSUMB Inclusive Sustainability Plan, 2020)

Climate Change - Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Such shifts can be natural, due to changes in the sun’s activity or large volcanic eruptions. But since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas. (United Nations)

Climate Justice - Climate justice connects the climate crisis to the social, racial and environmental issues in which it is deeply entangled. It recognizes the disproportionate impacts of climate change on low-income and BIPOC communities around the world, the people and places least responsible for the problem. (UC Center for Climate Justice)

Environmental Justice - Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. This goal will be achieved when everyone enjoys:  (a) The same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards, and (b) Equal access to the decision-making process to have a healthy environment in which to live, learn, and work. (US EPA)