Definitions.

 

“One of the greatest regrets in life is being what others would want you to be, rather than being yourself.”–Shannon L. Alder

Included below are some essential terms and concepts that guide how we work to create inclusive and welcoming communities in Ohio State Residence Life.

Bias refers to conduct that discriminates, stereotypes, excludes, harasses or harms (others) based on their identity as a result of age, ancestry, color disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.”

Diversity is defined in Residence Life at Ohio State as being “individual differences (e.g. personality, prior knowledge, and life experiences) and group social differences (e.g., race/ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, country of origin and ability as well as cultural, political, religious or other affiliations.)”

Implicit Bias— are the attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner” (http://kirwaninstitute.osu.edu/research/understanding-implicit-bias/)

Inclusion is defined as “the active, intentional and ongoing engagement with diversity in the curriculum, in the co-curriculum, and in communities (intellectual, social, cultural, geographical) with which individuals might connect-in ways that increase awareness, content knowledge cognitive sophistication, and empathic understanding of the complex ways in which individuals interact within systems and institutions.”

Inclusive Excellence  is defined as creating an academic and residential campus environment that focuses on student intellectual and social development, is purposeful in the development and utilization of organizational resources to enhance student learning, pays attention to the cultural differences learners bring to educational experiences and that enhance the enterprise, and is a welcoming community that engages all of its diversity in the service of student and organizational learning. (Taken from the American Association of Colleges and Universities)