Diversity and Inclusion

Inclusion, equity, and diversity are central to Penn State’s commitment as a public institution of higher education to provide effective teaching for all people in our communities. Penn State’s strategic plan incorporates these priorities to creatively provide programs and environments that embrace diversity and promote the acceptance and valuing of differences.

Diversity refers to a value that embraces a broad range of identities, perspectives, and lived experiences present in our Commonwealth, nation, and world.

Inclusion refers to an institutional commitment to fostering a culture where all individuals can fully participate in the Penn State community. Inclusion requires proactive efforts to ensure that people of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives feel valued and have equitable opportunities for engagement and success.

Equity recognizes that individuals come from different backgrounds, opportunities, and experiences, and it focuses on fostering an environment where all can succeed.

We provide resources, support, and engagement opportunities — professionally, personally, and in student course work — that enhance that success.

Student Involvement

We appreciate the broad perspectives and lived experiences that Penn State World Campus students bring to their educational paths. There are a variety of ways you can engage with our diversity, inclusion, and advocacy team within World Campus Student Affairs.

By getting involved in these efforts, you can explore and create opportunities for students — both those like you and those you may not initially have anything in common with — to learn from each other in a supportive, educational setting.

Join or create an identity-based affinity group to identify resources and support while building community.
Attend upcoming events on diversity-related topics.
Check out blog posts from student voices of diverse backgrounds and identities to learn how they are building community, leading with purpose, and creating a sense of belonging for everyone.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resources and Recordings

View recorded events focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion topics, and find infographics providing tips for reflecting on and navigating specific situations.

Advocacy Offices

You have access to programming and resources offered by Penn State University Park advocacy offices. We encourage you to contact them directly for more information on their services. You are always welcome to contact Penn State World Campus Student Affairs for additional guidance.

Paul Robeson Cultural Center — hosts a variety of multicultural programs and activities, available to students via livestream or in-person
Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity — provides support resources to help students and others interested in LQBTQA+ issues, available digitally and in-person
Relationship Violence Outreach, Intervention, and Community Education Center (R-VOICE) — provides support to students who have been impacted by sexual violence, relationship violence, stalking, harassment, and other campus climate issues. In addition, the office works to educate the campus community about gender equity issues and provide workshops and resources for the prevention of sexual violence
Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development — creates programming related to community-building and education, providing safe spaces for students to explore their religious/spiritual paths
Office of Educational Equity — serves as a catalyst and advocate for Penn State's culture of equity, respect, and belonging initiatives. Educational Equity's vision is a Penn State community that is an inclusive and welcome environment for all.
Office of Sexual Misconduct Reporting and Response — ensures compliance with Title IX, a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on the sex or gender of employees or students. The University does not tolerate behaviors including sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, as well as retaliation for reporting any of these acts.
Office of Scholars Programs — provides academic and professional development resources to help students excel at Penn State. In addition to administering five competitive scholarship programs, OSP offers mentorship, academic coaching, and structured support services to assist students in achieving their academic and professional goals.