Mission Statement

Rationale

Willamette is a campus that welcomes, celebrates and promotes respect for all individuals. Firmly ensconced in the liberal arts tradition, Willamette recognizes exploration and discovery as primary educational values. We recognize that wisdom, insight, and the nurturing of democratic values are enhanced by our appreciation and understanding of diversity in all aspects of human endeavor. A liberal arts education fosters inclusivity and unity through the cultivation of such understanding and appreciation as central values. Hence, diversity in community stems from the basic principles of inclusivity, respect, and nurturing of the diverse gifts we all bring, and from adherence to our shared educational vision.

Our shared understanding of diversity is inclusive of, but not limited to, racial equity, ethnicity, religious belief, sexual identity, gender, disability, socioeconomic status, national origin, immigration status, and age. Such an understanding reinforces our commitment to redress the historical and contemporary injustices that traditionally marginalized, under-represented, and oppressed individuals and groups encounter in our society. As our University's long-range plan states, diversity is not just essential to a quality education, but central to "our sense of moral duty to overcome racism, bigotry and discrimination in all forms."

Mission

In recognition of the fact that the diversity of human experiences and perspectives in our community strengthens the educational experience of all members of the community, the mission of the Multicultural Affairs Committee (MAC) is to actively promote and increase awareness of, and a shared commitment to, inclusiveness, equity, and diversity throughout Willamette University, by working to foster inclusive excellence in pedagogy, curricular reform, and faculty recruitment and retention practices.