Strategic Planning

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) is a foundational element of Penn State’s academic, research and land-grant missions. Creating an environment that welcomes community members from all identities, backgrounds, faith, and walks of life while providing equitable opportunities for all Penn Staters to thrive as their authentic selves is central to President Bendapudi’s vision for the University.

Steps toward fostering greater DEIB across the University include: 

  • Inventorying DEIB activities across all campuses, academic and administrative units, and colleges to determine breadth of offerings, gaps in offerings and best practices. 
  • Establishing baseline metrics and goals for campuses and units to close DEIB gaps. 
  • Increasing recruitment of underrepresented students, faculty and staff. 
  • Closing gaps in graduation rates across backgrounds and identities. 
  • Diversifying Penn State’s faculty across all ranks and tracks. 
  • Creating robust communities of support for faculty, staff and students of all backgrounds. 
  • Creating equitable professional development and advancement opportunities for staff at all levels. 
  • Enhancing a sense of inclusion and belonging for all Penn Staters, as measured through data-driven tools such as the recurring Living Our Values Survey.  

Inclusion and Belonging Resources

Available to Penn State employees and students.

Equity focused planning rubric

Available to Penn State employees and students.