Statement on Building an welcoming Community with a Shared Purpose
At Norfolk State University, a welcoming community is one in which there is real, visible, and meaningful representation of the broad range of backgrounds and perspectives found in the wider community at all levels and in all constituencies on campus (faculty, staff, students, administration). It is a community where all members feel safe and empowered, valued, and respected for their contributions to the shared purposes of the University: research and educational excellence.
It is a community where the rights of all individuals and groups are protected. A welcoming community occurs when an organization provides access to its services, benefits and opportunities, when systems and structures facilitate full participation by all members and where members are treated fairly and are recognized for their contributions. The key ingredients are equitable access, participation (especially in decision-making processes) and equal attention to the needs and aspirations of all.
Commitment to Norfolk State University
Our internal community share a fundamental right to work and learn in a safe environment. We strive to provide a safe environment that fosters intellectual engagement, learning, and positive working experiences. Our focus is on addressing policy and procedural concerns.
Our charge is to remind each other daily not only what our laws are but also what Norfolk State University’s strong collective spirit of fairness demands. We respect the dignity and value of each human being in our community and support the sharing of different values and perspectives. The office strives to:
- Foster an inclusive community that promotes a positive educational environment, fairness, and access, and
- Support compliance efforts as they relate to equal opportunities and affirmative action laws and regulations
Colleagues on our team work with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and visitors on related aspects that include:
- Access and disability services
- Affirmative action plans and implementation
- Best practices for searches and hires
- Discrimination and harassment administration
- Educational programming
- University Title IX