CSUEB Recognized for Diversity, Inclusiveness

INSIGHT Into Diversity, a magazine focused on connecting potential employees with institutions and businesses that embrace a diverse workforce, has once again recognized Cal State East Bay’s efforts to embrace and support diversity.

The annual Higher Education Excellence in Diversity award is a national honor recognizing American colleges and universities that demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Receiving the award for the third consecutive year is a testament to CSUEB’s continued efforts in serving its diverse student population, Dr. Dianne Rush Woods, CSUEB’s university diversity officer, said.

Cal State East Bay was been previously recognized as one of the most diverse universities in the United States mainland by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission. It also recently ranked at the top of U.S. News and World Report’s ethnic diversity scale for regional universities in the west.

Woods said she’s pleased the magazine has recognized the school’s commitment to diversity.

"It's wonderful to have CSUEB’s successes and achievement in diversity, inclusive excellence and social justice recognized yet again,” she said. “I’d like to thank the many departments, students, staff and faculty who embrace our strategic commitment to diversity and who have made this award possible.”

The HEED Award is the only national recognition honoring colleges and universities that exhibit outstanding efforts and success in the area of diversity and inclusion, according to INSIGHT Into Diversity. CSUEB has the most diverse student population in the CSU system and has expanded its diversity programs, particularly those focused on the needs of first-generation and lower socioeconomic-status students.

For example, in 2014-15 school year, the school established Sankofa, an Afrocentric program to support transfer students, and Kaleidoscope, a mentoring program for first-year and transfer students. CSUEB has a similar program called Gaining Access ‘N Academic Success (GANAS), which focuses on Latino/a transfer students.

The university has also focused on gender needs by increasing the number of gender-neutral restrooms on campus and establishing gender-neutral locker rooms in the school’s Recreation and Wellness center. Student housing has offered gender-inclusive housing since 2011.

The oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education, INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine has recognized 83 institutions as 2016 HEED award winners. They will be featured in the November 2016 issue of the magazine.