Defining Inclusive Excellence
Inclusive excellence is a framework that recognizes a community or institution's success depends on valuing, engaging, and including the many perspectives of all its members. It's about creating a welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
At Santa Clara University, our vision to educate citizens and leaders of competence, consciousness,and compassion, and to cultivate knowledge and faith to build a more humane, just, and sustainable world is inextricably linked to our commitment to inclusive excellence.
Read more about the framework (PDF, 513KB) that guides Santa Clara University's approach to operationalizing Inclusive Excellence.
Key Principles
- Recognize diversity: Value and engage the diversity and humanity of all community members, including students, staff, faculty, and alumni
- Focus on student development: Offer the best possible course of study and create an environment that challenges students to achieve academically
- Use resources to enhance learning: Develop and use organizational resources to enhance student learning
- Embrace differences: Recognize that each unique person and experience contributes to learning
- Create opportunities for all: Ensure that everyone has the opportunity to fully participate, thrive, and lead
Adapted from the Association for American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U)