Diversity & Inclusion

OVERVIEW

Joining a Global Community

Multicultural diversity at Saint Francis is an important part of campus life. Each year the University welcomes students and faculty from across the United States and more than 23 countries.

Many of our students also travel abroad as part of their educational experience. We believe that life is made rich by exploring the diversity of individuals, groups, and cultures. Respect, tolerance, and goodwill are the keystones to enjoying the diversity of our world, and we help our students refine these values through curriculum offerings, opportunities to study abroad, on-campus social activities, and other programs.

WE ARE ALL RED FLASH 

Saint Francis University is committed to protecting and promoting the God-given rights and responsibilities of all members of the university community in accord with Catholic Social Teaching. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is born from our Catholic and Franciscan mission. It arises from our aspirations about the community we want to be, the educational environment we hope to provide, and the moral character that we seek to develop in our students. It goes to the heart of our mission, to who we are and to what we want to become. 

Human Dignity 

The infinite goodness of God is reflected in the many and diverse beings whom God has created. All human beings, from the moment of their conception until their death, possess an innate and sacred dignity on account of their nature as persons created in the image and likeness of God. The infinite glory of God is also reflected more deeply by the diverse gifts which God has given to each person, and which are shown in our differences of age, physical and mental ability, sex, race, ethnicity, vocations, etc. 

Community 

Each human person has rights and responsibilities which are grounded in their nature as persons made in the image and likeness of God as well as by their vocation and state in life. Equity ensures that the rights of each member of the SFU community are protected, and that each person has just access to the specific resources that they need to fulfill their responsibilities as members of the SFU community. Together, we pursue the common good – the flourishing of each individual and of the entire community. 

Solidarity 

We are called to live in solidarity with all people, which arises from recognizing that the well-being of each person is a concern for us all. Inclusion ensures that each member of our SFU community, with their unique gifts and backgrounds, are welcomed, cherished and supported in accord with the demands of God’s love and justice. Inclusion fosters the peace that results from a working and learning environment that emphasizes our solidarity with one another on a natural, local, and global level.

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Saint Francis University desires to create a campus community characterized by equal access and respectful participation for all groups and individuals; a campus community that not only prepares students for life at the University, but prepares students to be participants in a global community. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is committed to assisting students in their educational and cultural growth through development and awareness that translates into students overall success. The Office works to coordinate the campus community’s dialogue on diversity, and to give voice to diverse students in their adjustment socially, academically, and psychologically to life at Saint Francis University. In turn they will become a positive influence upon life at Saint Francis University.