Institutional commitment to diversity is commonly cited as a
facet of campus climate and necessitates the prioritization of systematic
practices, process, and procedures that promote equity and inclusion within
higher education. However, little empirical research operationally defines or
denotes antecedents of institutional commitment to diversity. In fall 2022, UWL
conducted focus groups to investigate BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+ student perceptions
of the institution’s commitment to diversity. Using grounded theory, an
operational definition campus was created as means to evaluate campus progress
on its commitment to diversity. While perceived as fractured, research participants
believe that the university’s commitment to diversity can be coordinated thus
strengthening our ecological excellence. Participants offered insights and
action items for improving the institution’s commitment to diversity including inclusive teaching
practices that practice activism and resistance for social justice.