Carnegie Mellon University

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Carnegie Mellon University and the Dietrich College for Humanities and Social Sciences value a dynamic and diverse community where all members are responsible for contributing to an inclusive environment.

The Dietrich College values diversity, equity and inclusion because:

  • diverse institutions function better than homogenous ones; and
  • equal opportunity for all is a moral imperative.

The college strives to promote a culture of respect, scholarship, innovation and integrity as we advance talented minds from diverse backgrounds. We aim to achieve these goals by implementing concrete practices at the center of our daily work that minimize bias and support diversity, by holding ourselves accountable to show progress and by attending to and revising these practices relentlessly.

In the Dietrich College, students, faculty and staff have opportunities to learn from one another, as well as from myriad cultural and academic resources. We challenge ourselves to consider the experiences and perspectives of others, engage and promote social justice and create meaningful connections to communities beyond our campus.

By harnessing our abilities as researchers, thinkers and educators, the Dietrich College will embrace difference and celebrate the richness of our diverse culture.

Diversity

We understand and value that every individual is unique. We see this uniqueness shaped by race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs and other life experiences and ideologies.

Equity

We are intentional about eliminating barriers that have prevented full participation and are working to increase access to resources and networks for underrepresented groups across our student, faculty and staff populations.

Inclusion

We believe that every person should feel as though they belong here. We are learning how to involve more unique perspectives and actively invite participation from historically underrepresented groups to make our community a better place for all.

Opportunties

At Dietrich College, we each have a role in building an inclusive, equitable, and just community.

CMU Rales Fellows Program

The CMU Rales Fellow Program is dedicated to developing a diverse community of STEM leaders from underrepresented and under-resourced backgrounds by eliminating cost as a barrier to education. Learn more about this program for master’s and Ph.D. students.


Dietrich College Staff Community Excellence Award

The Dietrich College Staff Community Excellence Award is a college-level award recognizing individuals for contributions to increasing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging both within and outside the university.

This staff award is for individuals who regularly go above and beyond expectations to create a more inclusive, just and welcoming community. Anyone from the Dietrich College community can nominate a Dietrich College staff member for this honor.  

Nominations open on Aug. 7, 2023, and close on Aug. 31, 2023. The award winner will be announced at the Sept. 26 Connections and Conversation Luncheon.

View the full call for nominations for additional details


Better Together Learning Academy

Better Together Learning Academy is one approach to providing the staff in our community with the tools to learn, explore, and convene to discuss topics such as microaggressions, cultural humility, understanding unconscious bias, and much more. The list of learning blocks was assembled based on staff interest. These learning blocks are self-paced and will guide you through your self-awareness and reflection to become an advocate in building a college that fosters a sense of belonging for everyone.

Dietrich College DEIB Events

2023-2024 Events

Each year, Dietrich college holds a number of events focused on building community through engaging with with diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

Explore 2023-2024 DEI Events

DEI Post-Event Data Collection Form

This tool aims to track the multitude of programmatic opportunities implemented to support efforts shared in our strategic plan. Please complete this form for all diversity, equity, and inclusion-related programs for the college. It takes no more than 5 minutes to complete.

Complete the form

Progress Highlights

Dietrich College has introduced several new programs and initiatives since the launch of its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plan in fall 2020. The list below highlights a number of concrete steps the college has taken to make it a place where people of all identities, perspectives and experiences feel welcome, able to present their authentic selves and empowered to reach their full potential. View the Strategic Plan Progress Report for a comprehensive look at our five-year implementation process.

The Dietrich College created the DEI Implementation Committee to provide oversight on diversity, equity and inclusion issues and facilitate communication and accountability.

The Dietrich College faculty search committees incorporated procedural changes to minimize bias during searches. In doing so, we are expanding the pool of scholars to recruit to the college.

As a result, we've hired new faculty members to expand the scope of scholarship in the college on issues like race, racism in medicine, critical race theory and cultural studies.

Carnegie Mellon University has expanded professional development opportunities for staff focused on civility, diversity, equity and inclusion. 

CMU also became a member of Vibrant Pittsburgh to connect staff, faculty and students with resources and events across the greater Pittsburgh area.

The Dietrich College is committed to making our college accessible to low-income, first-generation and/or underrepresented students in Pittsburgh through the LEAP program and the Arts Greenhouse. LEAP is a high school outreach program, in partnership with CFA. This high-quality, intensive year-round program with humanities and arts-focused programming launched in fall 2021. Arts Greenhouse is an arts and humanities education initiative that fosters the expressive and intellectual development of Pittsburgh’s youth.

Dietrich College has welcomed its second cohort for the Dietrich Scholars Fellowship. The Dietrich Scholars Fellowship is an exemplary group of diverse scholars pursuing degrees in the humanities and social sciences. It provides a pathway to success through financial support, opportunities to expand networks and professional development.

Dietrich College is leveraging the new general education curriculum to expand access to courses that cover topics in diversity, equity and inclusion. The new curriculum offers students opportunities to explore courses in intercultural and global inquiry as well as equity and justice. Students can choose from a dozen courses in each category throughout their education at the college.

Resources

CMU's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives seek to cultivate diverse populations and perspectives and promote equity and inclusion.

FocusU civility, diversity and inclusion training and awareness resources are available to all members of the university community.

Bias and ethics reporting are important to all Carnegie Mellon University community members. Each of us has the responsibility to ask questions, seek guidance and report suspected bias incidents and unethical or illegal behavior.

Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion cultivates a strong, diverse and inclusive community capable of embodying these values and advancing research, creativity, learning and development that changes the world.

Counseling and Psychological Services provides a safe, confidential environment for students to talk about personal and academic concerns.

The Office of Disability Resources responsive and reasonable accommodations to students who self-identify as having a disability, including physical, sensory, cognitive and emotional disabilities.

Support and assistance programs for faculty and staff include the Employee Assistance Program, Carelink, Family and Childcare Resources, and LGBTQ+ Resouces.

The Office of Disability Services for Faculty and Staff assists with job accommodations, digital and physical accessibility and resources for short- and long-term conditions.

The National Center for Faculty Diversity and Inclusion provides professional development resources and support to our faculty.