Mission & Vision

Mission

The Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) works to meet the University’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion with an integrative model of leadership. The model draws its strength from partnerships and collaborations with every division of the University. The work of diversity, equity, and inclusion does not sit in a single office at Loyola but extends across the entire campus realizing the benefit of varied skill sets and areas of expertise, multiple perspectives, focused approaches, and shared accountability. The engagement and leadership of senior executive staff has been and will continue to be essential to support and advance the OEI, as well as its mission and work.

The work of the Office proceeds based on principles of human growth and development, learning theory, and cultural identity development theory. These research bases provide theoretical frameworks and research-informed approaches for understanding and facilitating evolving levels of self-awareness; appreciation; knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion matters; and skill development.

The OEI is guided by the Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer (CEIO) who partners with the President’s Advisory Council on Equity and Inclusion and student diversity, equity, and inclusion boards to provide strategic visioning for the campus, monitor strategic plan progress, and oversee major campus-wide initiatives and programs. Each President’s Council member is appointed to a two-year, renewable term. Through an application process, students at the graduate and undergraduate levels seek one-year membership on the student diversity boards.

Vision

The vision for the OEI is to provide leadership, education, consultation, and assistance to the campus to embrace equity and inclusion as a pillar of excellence.

In collaboration with other university offices, divisions, strategic plans, and staff, the OEI supports an institutional climate of Ignatian Citizenship by balancing opportunities for individual enrichment and reflection on how one’s social identities influence choice and responsibilities and collaborative work for justice.

The Office fosters companions who think of themselves as part of something bigger and promote equity and inclusion as the goal of an intentionally inclusive society.