Inclusive Excellence Driving University Success
Inclusive Excellence defined
Inclusive Excellence, as defined by the Association of American Colleges and Universities
(AACU), is the active, intentional and ongoing engagement with diversity — in people,
in the curriculum, in the co-curriculum and in communities — in ways that increase
one’s awareness, content knowledge, cognitive sophistication and empathic understanding
of the complex ways individuals interact within systems and institutions.
Cultural consciousness
Missouri State is committed to being a culturally conscious leader in the Springfield
community. It will deliver education, training and growth opportunities to the campus
and beyond – keys to developing engaged citizens and diverse workplaces.
Moving from grassroots to a culture of caring and belonging
In 2009, Missouri State declared inclusive excellence as a core value and one of the
university's top priorities. The university has consistently worked to enhance the
culture on campus and within the Springfield community. It has demonstrated a commitment
to recognize the value of inclusion and the contributions of all members of the community.
More remains to be done.
Campus climate
Building on the principal findings of the Higher Education Data Sharing (HEDS) Diversity
and Equity Campus Climate Survey, Missouri State will work to raise the participation
in — and positive responses to — annual polls, especially in the undergraduate student
population where only 9% participated in the first year.
Campus culture
Nick is a Missouri State junior from Kennett, Missouri. He comes from a close-knit
family with ties to health care and educational communities. During high school, Nick
played sports and was active in National Honor Society. He also began identifying
with the LGBTQIA+ community.
Individualized support
The digital age is full of potential and expectation. Most college students have grown
up with the ability to create a highly curated world.
Students who have learning or financial challenges, feel marginalized, or who just
feel overwhelmed demonstrate the growing need for individualized support. Whether
it be academic, mental wellbeing, access or other barriers to student success, Missouri
State will work to provide inclusive, personalized assistance to each student in need.
Utilizing contemporary connections – both in-person and digital – Missouri State will
meet the unique struggles of its students in need.
Student mental health
As more students learn remotely, access to critical student support services – housed
on-campus or made available during inaccessible times – will become increasingly important
to provide through flexible formats.
Student resources
Victoria and Derek are mental health clinicians at Missouri State University. Victoria
is a mid-career Latina who lives in her hometown of Anderson, Missouri, while Derek
is a young Black professional who moved to Springfield from Chicago. Both were drawn
to providing mental health services in a college community, however for much different
reasons.
