Culture of Community

1 Creating our YSU Culture of Community Division of Multicultural Affairs Culture Of Community Council Culture Of Community Collaborative YSU FAMILY

Youngstown State University’s Division of Multicultural Affairs encourages and supports institutional initiatives that create and nurture a learning environment where all are welcomed, valued and supported. We must commit to creating a campus community that embraces diverse perspectives, cultures, experiences and people. Diversity and inclusion must be infused into the daily interactions throughout the university in order to provide a holistic education that enriches, expands, elevates inquiry, creativity, and innovation to ALL MEMBERS of the Youngstown State University community. Here at Youngstown State University, we believe that a vibrant and diverse institutional climate is essential to providing effective delivery of services and instruction to diverse groups and in preparing them for a diverse and global society. YSU embraces a broad definition of diversity that is comprised of, but is not limited to, differences in cultural, social, economic, racial and ethnic origin, religion, rural and urban communities, geographic origins, academic backgrounds, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, ability or disability, physical appearance, personality, learning style, personal experiences, multilingual abilities, and veteran status. This diversity creates a richness that enhances the campus climate. 2

Vision We desire that Youngstown State University reflect the diverse population of the Mahoning Valley, the nation, and the world with respect to students, faculty, support staff and administration that transcend educational, economic and social barriers. We also envision a multicultural university and community that understand what is necessary to achieve this goal and appreciates why such a goal is critical as we become more inclusive of all people. 3

MISSION The Culture of Community Collaborative (CCC) will serve as an open forum designed for discussions on diversity issues that affect Youngstown State University, community, region, state, nation, and the world. In more specific terms, the Collaborative is to serve as a resource on a full range of diversity matters, to the Chief Diversity Officer who reports directly to the President, with the intent of creating a healthy Culture of Community to: o increase the diversity of the University; o address barriers to a culture of support for diversity and inclusion; o capitalize on opportunities that are present; o and stimulate movement toward the achievement of the vision that can position Youngstown State University as one of the leaders of diversity and inclusive excellence for our city, state, and nation. 4

CHARGE The Culture of Community Collaborative will model a: o Culture of Respect and Well-Being: Practice, promote and nurture mutual respect for each other and work to develop a campus community where everyone feels safe and secure. 5

o Culture of Inclusion and Awareness: Practice and promote how we all benefit from the unique strengths and perspectives of others and how to appreciate the diversity among us for a just and equitable society. Understanding that we can help each other overcome and prevent racial, ethnic and gender divisions. 6

o Culture of Spirit and Tradition: Understand the past, while learning that our present and future contributions to the community create history for future generations. Participate in campus and community events that help to develop Penguin Pride essential to building a pride-filled community. 7

o Culture of Excellence through Engagement: Celebrate each other’s accomplishments that create a spirit of excellence and healthy competition among all social groups. This leads to an understanding that true success is better shared; therefore, collaboration and partnerships with other individuals or groups is imperative to the progress of the entire community. 8

9 Students (23) Faculty (17) Staff (27) Community (6)

10 Council-Collaborative Teams