Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We are an academic community that believes in continuously building a campus culture that values every form of diversity and welcomes all people. Furthermore, we believe in fostering an inclusive campus where all of its members can thrive.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy Statement

Our task is crucial, as we are challenged to demonstrate how diversity, equity and inclusiveness in all areas can directly and in the long-term influence the character of the University.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy Statement

Campus Climate Support Policies & Protocols

Ohio Wesleyan University affirms its commitment to the principle that its students have a right to be free from acts of bias, hate, discrimination, and harassment. These policies and protocols outline the reporting of, and University response to, campus climate incidents.

Campus Climate Support Policies & Protocols

DEI Action Plan

Announced in June 2020, Ohio Wesleyan's Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Action Plan is intended to create meaningful and immediate change on campus.

DEI Action Plan

Expand your Experience

OWU is committed to preparing leaders for a global society through many of their programs and clubs.  Here are just some of things you can do to get involved.  

Travel Opportunities

Travel-Learning Courses, Theory-to-Practice Grants, Interfaith Service Teams, semester-long off-campus programs - all provide you with opportunities to immerse yourself in another culture through the OWU Connection program.

You will be better prepared to live and work in today's global marketplace after spending a semester living with a family in Spain or going to school in Tanzania, traveling to Central America to explore social and political issues, or volunteering in a mission trip to New Orleans or the Lakota Nation.

Travel-Learning Courses

An OWU TLC visited Chiapas, Mexico, to study indigenous philosophies.

Interfaith Service Trips

Students traveled to Mexico to study sustainable tourism and complete service projects.

Theory-to-Practice Grants

A group of students traveled to Paris to study French Imperialism & colonialism's effects.

OWU in Tanzania

Spend a semester taking classes, doing a research project, & maybe working an internship.

Houses & SLUs

Students may choose to live in a house or Small Living Unit (SLU), each with about 12-16 students. Many of these residences, are focused on various cultural perspectives, including the House of Black Culture, Sexuality and Gender Equality House, Interfaith House, and Citizens of the World House.

The students in these houses conduct programs and events for the entire campus.

House of Black Culture

The Butler A. Jones House (1970) houses 10 students and honors a race relations professor.

Interfaith House

This SLU promotes religious acceptance on campus with a diverse, dedicated community.

Citizens of the World

Founded in 2009, the Citizens of the World House fosters inclusivity and global learning.

SAGE House

Students in the SAGE House host various campus events each year.

House of Linguistic Diversity

HOLD promotes diversity, language learning, & a safe space for multicultural experiences.

Cultural Clubs & Events

Choose from nearly 100 campus clubs and organizations representing a vast spectrum of interests. Some are based on political, cultural, or religious ideas or affiliations.

These clubs and other campus organizations host events throughout the year that celebrate cultures from around the world - and from across the campus. 

Model United Nations

Students become diplomats, defend positions, and speak at simulated conferences.

Queer Film Festival

Clubs team up yearly for a film festival featuring films about and for their communities.

VIVA

VIVA promotes Latin American cultures and issues at OWU and invites all students to join.

Chinese New Year Celebration

Chinese Culture Club celebrates the New Year with food, traditions, and a lion dance.

Rafiki wa Afrika

The club hosts "Onyesha," a fashion show showcasing African & Caribbean cultures & dress.

Culture Fest

Culture Fest celebrates OWU's diverse campus with food samples and performances.

Holi

Colors fly at this Indian celebration to welcome the beginning of spring.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) News

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Day on the JAY— With every fall and spring semester comes Day on the JAY, a festival filled with food, games, fun, and students on the campus JAYwalk.

Day on the JAY

With every fall and spring semester comes Day on the JAY, a festival filled with food, games, fun, and students on the campus JAYwalk.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Summit— In Fall 2018, more than 160 students, faculty, and staff gather for the first ever summit to address areas regarding diversity and inclusion on campus, where OWU is doing well, and what we can improved upon.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Summit

In Fall 2018, more than 160 students, faculty, and staff gather for the first ever summit to address areas regarding diversity and inclusion on campus, where OWU is doing well, and what we can improved upon.
Culture Fest— Each Spring Horizons International club organizes Culture Fest, an event that encourages students to celebrate and learn about the food, dance, and dress from various cultures of OWU students.

Culture Fest

Each Spring Horizons International club organizes Culture Fest, an event that encourages students to celebrate and learn about the food, dance, and dress from various cultures of OWU students.
Day on the JAY— With every fall and spring semester comes Day on the JAY, a festival filled with food, games, fun, and students on the campus JAYwalk.

Day on the JAY

With every fall and spring semester comes Day on the JAY, a festival filled with food, games, fun, and students on the campus JAYwalk.

Holi Festival— The arrival of spring on OWU’s campus brings the celebration of Holi, the Indian festival of colors to celebrate the end of winter.

Holi Festival

The arrival of spring on OWU’s campus brings the celebration of Holi, the Indian festival of colors to celebrate the end of winter.
Culture Fest— Each Spring Horizons International club organizes Culture Fest, an event that encourages students to celebrate and learn about the food, dance, and dress from various cultures of OWU students.

Culture Fest

Each Spring Horizons International club organizes Culture Fest, an event that encourages students to celebrate and learn about the food, dance, and dress from various cultures of OWU students.
A Beezer Time in Belfast: An OWU Connection Experience— Six Ohio Wesleyan students traveled to Belfast to explore how issues of Catholic-Protestant sectarianism in Ireland compare to issues of racism in the United States.

A Beezer Time in Belfast: An OWU Connection Experience

Six Ohio Wesleyan students traveled to Belfast to explore how issues of Catholic-Protestant sectarianism in Ireland compare to issues of racism in the United States.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Summit— In Fall 2018, more than 160 students, faculty, and staff gather for the first ever summit to address areas regarding diversity and inclusion on campus, where OWU is doing well, and what we can improved upon.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Summit

In Fall 2018, more than 160 students, faculty, and staff gather for the first ever summit to address areas regarding diversity and inclusion on campus, where OWU is doing well, and what we can improved upon.