Council on Diversity and Inclusion
The Christopher Newport University community engages and respects different viewpoints, understands the cultural and structural context in which those viewpoints emerge, and questions the development of our own perspectives and values, as these are among the fundamental tenets of a liberal arts education.
The Council on Diversity and Inclusion spotlights and applauds these steps, small and large, to advance diversity and inclusion at Christopher Newport University:
- The council developed the university's first Strategic Plan for Diversity and Inclusion, and it was approved by President Trible
- The university expanded the Community Captains program with Newport News Public Schools to prepare first-generation and low socioeconomic-level high school students for college, and widened a fundraising campaign to reduce the cost of attendance.
- The university added diversity and inclusion as values and added them to orientation for every new employee. A statement about this has also been included in many position postings.
- The first Jewish studies faculty member with a named professorship is entering his second year of teaching and involving increasing numbers of students in his research.
- MLK Day 2020 was marked with the university's most comprehensive program yet, and it included pausing classes to encourage student, faculty and staff attendance.
- The university partnered with Strive for College, a nonprofit dedicated to improving equity in access to higher education.
- The university solidified its record as a statewide pacesetter in procuring goods and services through Virginia's small, women-owned and minority-owned business certification program.