The following definitions provide a framework for understanding equity language and to aid units in maintaining equity-mindedness throughout EDI self-study.
Equity: Equity aims to identify and actively eliminate systemic barriers to access and opportunities that prevent the full participation of people, specifically those from historically marginalized groups in higher education. Equity ensures fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all students, faculty, and staff to develop to their full academic, social, and career potential.
Diversity: Diversity refers to the variety of personal experiences, values, and worldviews that arise from the whole of who we are. These experiences are valued, and include but are not limited to race, ethnicity, gender and gender expression, age, religion, mental or neurological function, language, disability, sexuality, and socioeconomic status. It is this collective that makes us a stronger whole.
Inclusion: Inclusion is the act of creating a community where everyone is welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. Inclusion actively embraces differences and engages historically marginalized individuals so that diversity can thrive.
Belonging: A sense of belonging is understood as a person knowing that their authentic self is affirmed and supported.
Climate: An institutional culture that is equitable and inclusive of the diverse individuals represented throughout our community
Engagement: The community connections where trust is built and the structural effects of injustice are uprooted
Health Equity: The elimination of health inequities and ensuring all patients and clients achieve equitable health outcomes
Student Success: Student success is defined as learning focused on academic and personal growth with the intention toward degree completion (even if over time and with moments of absence) but not degree completion as the solitary end goal (University of Utah, Equity Gap Project Team, 2021).
One U Thriving: “One U Thriving is the platform by which Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) communicates the vision of the University for equity, diversity, and inclusion (and belonging) and where we will ensure students, faculty, trainees, and staff feel a sense of belonging and have a voice to help bring about racial healing and transformation, respond to racist and bias incidents and help to shape our journey as we achieve the goal of an anti-racist, diverse, inclusive, accessible, and equitable campus” (One U Thriving, n.d.)