At Utah Valley University, inclusion is central to our commitment to student success. This engagement plan is our blueprint for creating a welcoming environment that empowers all students, regardless of their backgrounds, to achieve their academic goals and become globally competent graduates. Through this plan, we will equip our students with the skills and tools to become culturally aware, dynamic leaders able to navigate a nuanced, globalized world at UVU and beyond.
“Come as you are; UVU is a place for you!” I said those words in 2018 when I arrived on campus, and I meant what I said.
A decade ago, UVU developed an inclusion plan to make our campus a welcoming place where all can thrive and feel valued. We now update that plan every five years to elevate our exceptional values, assess progress, and ensure alignment with our mission and values.
Astrid S. Tuminez, Ph.D.
President, Utah Valley University
“Come as you are; UVU is a place for you!” I said those words in 2018 when I arrived on campus, and I meant what I said.
A decade ago, Utah Valley University developed an inclusion plan to make our campus a welcoming place where all can thrive and feel valued. We now update that plan every five years to elevate our exceptional values, assess progress, and ensure alignment with our mission and values.
This plan has been developed with valuable input from faculty, staff, and students. We took a grassroots approach, encouraging every division to develop an inclusion engagementplan with associated and measurable goals.
I invite you to become familiar with the integrated UVU inclusion engagementplan. Ask yourself how you can contribute to the culture we aspire to create. I encourage you to celebrate the rich diversity of our community. I applaud the progress we have made to welcome everyone to UVU. Such openness is part of our DNA as an open-admissions university. Everyone on this campus deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
This plan is not a checklist; it’s a roadmap for helping all of us at UVU become the very best we can be. It’s about making UVU a place for you, me, and everyone else who wants to pursue their dreams and improve their lives. Thank you for your commitment to making this aspiration a reality.
Astrid S. Tuminez, Ph.D.
President, Utah Valley University
As an open-enrollment and mission-driven institution, we believe our human capital is our greatest asset and the key to our success. We are committed to providing exceptional experiences and exceptional care to our students, faculty, and staff.
Rasha M. Qudisat, Ph.D.
Chief Engagement and Effectiveness Officer, Utah Valley University
As an open-enrollment and mission-driven institution, we believe our human capital is our greatest asset and the key to our success. We are committed to providing exceptional experiences and exceptional care to our students, faculty, and staff.
With the Inclusion EngagementPlan 2024-2028, we strengthen our support for all students to develop their competencies and prepare them to reach their goals in an increasingly globalized community. This plan functions as a blueprint to implement measurable goals and data-informed action steps as we aspire to build a welcoming community that embraces differences. We are committed to tracking and reporting our progress annually to meet the growth and development of oureconomy, society, and campus community.
While performing at our best, we acknowledge that continuous growth and improvement are essential and expected to meet our workforce requirements. It is imperative that we establish an equitable and inclusive learning environment and build communities that wholeheartedly embrace and support all students and employees. We are committed to taking bold steps toward achieving these goals and constantly improving ourselves.
Together, at UVU, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Rasha M. Qudisat, Ph.D.
Chief Chief Engagement and Effectiveness Officer, Utah Valley University
The Campus Engagement Committee is excited to present UVU’s Engagement Plan 2024-2028. We crafted this plan to embody our collective commitment to fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We want to ensure UVU is a place for you.
Our collaborative journey toward an engagement plan has been one of evolution and dedication using a bottom-up approach. We created this specific and measurable plan using our shared governance strategies. It culminates our efforts to create a campus where everyone belongs. The plan’s pillars — data-driven planning, cultural competency, and campus composition — are designed to create an inclusive and engaging learning environment. This plan is rooted in our commitment to the include aspect of Vision 2030, and we feel confident about its effectiveness in accomplishing those goals.
Implementation hinges on collaboration, coordination, and cooperation among all stakeholders. We aspire to nurture a vibrant community where the rich tapestry of diverse perspectives, cultures, and experiences is celebrated as our greatest asset. We seek to create an environment where every individual is valued, respected, and provided with fair opportunities for success.
Campus Engagement Committee
UVU aspires to foster an engaging and supportive campus that empowers students, embraces all differences, and nurtures a strong sense of belonging, enabling the UVU community to grow and thrive.
Cultivate a campus culture that exemplifies collaboration, embraces innovation, and values respect, to provide exceptional care for students, faculty, and staff.
Utah Valley University campus has a long-standing institutional commitment to inclusive and engaging initiatives. These initiatives have evolved, recognizing the importance of providing a welcoming and inclusive climate for education and employment so that all individuals can thrive and drive excellence.
We create our programs and educational efforts to ensure inclusivity and cultural competence throughout our university. By working collaboratively and establishing more effective systems, we enhance the opportunities, care, and education we provide to all community members, regardless of their backgrounds and experiences.
All campus community members are encouraged to adapt to the three critical elements of collaboration, coordination, and cooperation to successfully promote and support inclusive practices. The Office of Institutional Engagement and Effectiveness, campus leaders, and stakeholders collaborate to ensure that strategic initiatives are implemented effectively. Implementing and evaluating UVU’s Engagement Plan 2024-2028 helps us achieve our shared objective of strengthening equity and inclusivity on campus, ensuring that UVU is the first choice for students and talented employees.
