Rockhurst University

During an assessment for an Office of Diversity and Inclusion at Rockhurst University, a campus-wide climate study was conducted. With surveys returned by 1200 students, staff and faculty members, Rockhurst found that while different race and diversity climate measures were ranked highly and were quite consistent with those at similar institutions of higher education, there were still areas for improvement. One of many campus-wide improvement initiatives is the new Student Advisory Council on Belonging. This student-led group is comprised of leaders from existing campus organizations, including the LGBTQ, first generation and Latinx communities, Black Student Union, Interfaith Council, Panhellenic and IFC, Student Senate and others.

About 20% of Rockhurst’s students are racial minorities and 17% are first generation college students. Rockhurst reports these numbers are increasing every year, making a compelling case for the need for the Student Advisory Council and other diversity and inclusion projects. For additional information about the climate study, please visit Rockhurst University’s website.