Towson University values diversity and fosters a climate that is grounded in respect and inclusion, enriches the educational experience of students, supports positive workplace environments, promotes excellence, and cultivates the intellectual and personal growth of the entire university community.
Towson University’s Faculty and Staff Affinity Groups are committed to supporting the personal and professional growth of faculty and staff members, as well as providing a connection to campus resources and leadership. Membership in the Faculty and Staff Affinity Groups is open to all faculty and staff members.
The Courageous Conversations Conference is an opportunity to elevate racial consciousness and understand how race affects your students lives and your classroom practice. The conference is uniquely designed for campus and civic leaders, educators, and administrators to deepen individual and organizational racial literacy.
In November 2015, a group of students and administrators agreed that the University would work toward the following 12 goals, many of which were already aligned with the University's strategic goals for diversity and inclusion. Here, you can track the University's Diversity Progress Report.
The Multiculturalism in Action Brown Bag Series is focused on showcasing the multicultural and diversity related scholarly activities taking place on Towson University's campus. This is an opportunity for faculty, staff, and students to meet and engage with each other around multicultural scholarship in a supportive space.
The Presidents Inclusive Leadership Institute is a professional development program for senior Towson faculty and staff that fosters personal development, interdisciplinary collaborations and a strong connection to the campus community.
The University Diversity and Inclusion Awards recognize individuals and departments that foster greater awareness, understanding and advancement of diversity and inclusiveness at Towson University.
The University Diversity Council facilitates the establishment and maintenance of a diverse, inclusive and equitable campus environment. The Council carries out its mission by:
The Diversity Action Committee is composed of a cross section of members of the academic and administrative divisions of the university and representatives of the student body. The committee exists to support the institution's Strategic Diversity Goals and makes appropriate recommendations for the success of campus-wide diversity initiatives to the University Diversity Council. To further fulfill its mission to promote awareness and acceptance of diversity, the committee will:
The Campus Climate work group of the institutional Diversity Action Committee will support the establishment and maintenance of a campus climate that is welcoming and inclusive by:
The Education and Scholarship Work Group of the institutional Diversity Action Committee has a mission to:
In order to accomplish these goals, it is necessary to encourage and support increased diversity and inclusiveness in the composition of the students, faculty, staff, and administrators of colleges and departments, with particular attention to underrepresented racial minorities. The committee will fulfill its mission by:
The University Diversity & Inclusion Awards recognize individuals and departments that have made efforts to foster greater awareness, understanding and advancement of diversity and inclusiveness at Towson University. This work group of the institutional Diversity Action Committee will support the awards program by:
The Representation work group of the institutional Diversity Action Committee will support the university’s ability to seek and maintain fully represented populations within the student body, and faculty and staff bodies by:
The Hate/Bias Work Group provides a coordinated multidisciplinary university response to hate crimes and/or bias incidents by:
Speak Up! Is a program developed by the Southern Poverty Law Center, which fosters discussion of encounters that individuals have had with everyday bigotry, from stores to restaurants, the classroom, or workplace.
Participants openly share information about incidents with family members, friends, classmates, roommates or co-workers. They tell stories regarding what they did or did not say — and what they wished they did or did not say.
Workshop participation provides an opportunity for an individual to develop and practice appropriate responses in order to be ready to address bigotry in a manner that is both effective and civil. If you are interested in participating in a Speak Up! Workshop or would like to know more about this initiative, contact LaVern Chapman or 410.704.0203.
Diversity at Towson University is broadly defined to include: race, ethnicity, country of origin, religion, gender, ability, sexuality and sexual orientation. Programs are offered to foster a receptive environment; facilitate recruitment, retention and graduation of students; and promote multiracial learning for all students, faculty and staff.
Towson University's Office of Admissions provides undocumented/DACA students with information about applying for in-state tuition rates. The TU Financial Aid Office provides guidance on scholarships and aid options.
The Center for Student Diversity, Academic Advising Center, and Counseling Center also offer programs and resources specifically for undocumented/DACA students.