Diversity and Inclusion

Creating Inclusive, Diverse, and Equitable Communities of Belonging

The A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication strives to prepare learners to address the challenges of today, create opportunities for tomorrow, build knowledge and practice, and engage partners for the common good.

In line with that vision, we work daily to be a place where everyone belongs and is prepared to achieve their goals. We know this is a process and there is always progress to be made. We aim to model values of inclusivity, diversity, equity and belonging and to incorporate those into every aspect of our work.

A Place Where Everyone Can Learn, Grow and Emerge Ready for What’s Next

We learn, grow and are prepared for successful careers and lives when we interact — skillfully, mindfully, creatively and ethically — with people who are different from us: different life experiences, belief systems, demographic characteristics, outlooks and more. We are stronger when we develop skills in perspective-taking, empathy, advocacy, dialogue and intercultural communication.

To that end, we are taking several steps to prepare learners for living and working in a diverse world:

• Teaching students to communicate ethically and effectively across cultures and groups. Our workplaces, industries and communities are international and intercultural. Developing those competences and skills empowers learners to be ready to adapt and lead.
• Approaching academic advising with an eye toward holistic health and coaching, connecting students with resources needed to thrive. We are mindful of the many pressures, needs and experiences learners balance while taking classes. We aim to support learners so they can earn their degree in a healthy, supportive environment.
• Building faculty and staff competencies and skills to create classrooms and environments that are welcoming, inclusive and supportive. We recognize we have an important role to play in creating positive learning environments. Our faculty and staff strive to continue our own learning and growth so we can promote the learning and growth of students.
• Developing scholarship support to promote recruitment, retention and diversity efforts. We are mindful of the financial pressures that students and families face, and we aim to live out principles of equity in supporting students.
• Improving student spaces to be more inclusive, promote a sense of belonging, and showcase the many stories that start in the School of Media and Communication. We are working to create facilities that promote connection.

 

 

A Diverse and Inclusive Faculty and Staff

Students learn and grow when interacting with diverse groups of people and working in inclusive environments, and so do faculty and staff. Our faculty and staff are better at building knowledge and skill through teaching and research when we draw on different perspectives, experiences and knowledge sets.

To pursue diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging among our faculty and staff, we are:

• Implementing operational policies and procedures that support equity and inclusion. We are mindful of the mounting research that shows inequities in responsibilities, such as service and advising.
• Supporting professional development and upholding standards that support a working climate that is inclusive of diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. We know that diversity, equity and inclusion is not only something to be taught; it is something we must live out in the ways we work with one another.
• Valuing diversity, equity and inclusion in the recruitment and retention of faculty and staff. A key element of building knowledge and skill is the diversity of perspectives, experiences and beliefs that our faculty bring to the table.

 

 

A Diverse and Inclusive University and Beyond

We value the diversity that exists within K-State, in our region, in our country and beyond. We know that there is a long way to go to create cultures that are inclusive and equitable. We believe that media and communication are important tools for perspective-taking, understanding, advocating for fairness and building community.

As community partners and in line with the university’s land grant mission, we strive to build social and cultural connections that promote learning, growth, belonging and support by:

• Supporting and carrying out the university’s DEI action plan. K-State has developed a comprehensive action plan for advancing DEI initiatives and building communities for diverse learners.
• Collaborating with departments and colleges on DEI initiatives and programming. We value the ability to work alongside our colleagues across campus to create a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
• Partnering with communities and workplaces who want to develop skills in communicating across difference and deliberating on topics of common concern.

 

Our striving to live out the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging is rooted in this firm belief: We succeed as employers and employees, relational partners, community members and global citizens when we use communication for good. We are stronger when we create space for everyone to grow, thrive and become themselves. We will continue to work toward our mission of developing and empowering skilled, mindful, creative and ethical communicators who carry on the work of the world day in and day out.