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Statement on Belonging

BYU Graduate Studies

Graduate Studies Statement of Belonging

“The mission of Brigham Young University—founded, supported, and guided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—is to assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life. That assistance should provide a period of intensive learning in a stimulating setting where a commitment to excellence is expected and the full realization of human potential is pursued.” (BYU Mission Statement)

To this end, the university seeks qualified students who are united by their common primary identity as children of God (Acts 7:29; Psalm 82:6) and who relate together in such a manner that they are “no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19). Creating an environment of covenant belonging and providing educational opportunities for students who share values based on the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and who come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, is an important educational asset to BYU. (BYU Statement on Belonging)

Graduate Studies seeks to nurture a community grounded in unity, mutual respect, and charity toward all. We strive to support selected graduate programs of real consequence at Brigham Young University in the following ways:

  1. We will develop policies and procedures that promote the recruitment, admission, retention, and support of all current and eligible prospective graduate students.
  2. We strive to support an environment of covenant belonging where multiple perspectives are shared, examined, and valued for optimal learning so graduate students may become model citizens and ambassadors, achieving greater unity while fostering an atmosphere of inclusion and respect for diversityi and culture, and helping to make our BYU community more just.
  3. We will partner with BYU faculty, staff, and administration to foster an environment of covenant belonging in all graduate programs, where individuals of all backgrounds can succeed together in fulfilling BYU’s Mission and Aims.
  4. We will support graduate programs in mentoring and advancing all graduate faculty, encouraging diverse perspectives and contributions to enhance the graduate education experience.
  5. Graduate Studies will continue to partner with BYU’s Office of Belonging to cultivate an environment where the above objectives can be achieved.

i “Hearts Knit in Righteousness and Unity,” Elder Quentin L. Cook, General Conference, October 2020.