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Statement on Belonging

BYU Graduate Studies

Graduate Studies Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Statement

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.

To this end, the university seeks qualified students of various talents and backgrounds, including geographic, educational, cultural, ethnic, and racial, 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). It is the university’s judgment that providing educational opportunities for a mix of students who share values based on the gospel of Jesus Christ and who come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences is an important educational asset to BYU. (BYU Fostering an Enriched Environment Policy)

Graduate Studies seeks to nurture a community grounded in unity, mutual respect, and charity toward all. We strive to support graduate programs 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 including students of color, women, and other underrepresented groups.
  2. We strive to support an environment where multiple perspectives are shared, examined, and valued for optimal learning so graduate students may become respectful citizens and ambassadors, informed and aware of both diversity and culture, helping to make our BYU community and the broader communities in which they live more just, unified, and inclusive.
  3. We will partner with BYU faculty, staff, and administration to foster an environment of inclusivity in all graduate programs where individuals of diverse backgrounds can succeed together in fulfilling BYU’s aims and mission.
  4. We will support graduate programs in mentoring and advancing graduate faculty of color, women graduate faculty, and graduate faculty from other underrepresented groups, encouraging diverse perspectives and contributions to enhance the graduate education experience.
  5. Graduate Studies will annually assess for accountability by measuring outcomes from year to year regarding our stated aspirations and/or university guidelines.