The Diversity Advisory Group is a student forum for the vice president and chief diversity officer, provost, vice president for academic affairs, vice president for student affairs and strategic initiatives and key administrators to hear directly from students about their experiences to better advocate for a more inclusive learning environment that supports unique perspectives and values differences.
Membership
- The advisory group is facilitated by the vice president for student affairs and strategic initiatives and the vice president and chief diversity officer, along with students.
- The vice president and chief diversity officer, provost, faculty diversity committee chair, director of student care and advocacy, and representatives from the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Center for Teaching and Learning, and Admissions serve as ex-officio members of the group.
- The diversity chair of student government is the only student member appointed to the group, all other student members go through the selection process.
- Undergraduate and graduate students who are passionate about diversity and inclusion and willing to share their experiences with others are eligible to apply.
- Based on the topic of each meeting, invited guests are welcome to attend.
Apply
Applications for the 2024-2025 Diversity Advisory Group are closed. Information on membership for the following academic year will be posted in the Spring of 2025.
Time Commitment
- The advisory group meets monthly for an hour and a half over lunch.
- Meetings are typically on the first Monday of the month from 12–1:30 p.m.
If you have any campus concerns related to diversity and inclusion that you would like the Diversity Advisory Group to discuss, please email diversityadvisorygroup@ut.edu.
Hometown: New York
Graduation Year: 2026
Personal definition of Diversity: Diversity is the vast array of cultures present which embodies mutual respect, perspective and inclusiveness.
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Graduation Year: 2026
Personal definition of Diversity: Variety
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Graduation Year: 2026
Personal definition of Diversity: The blending of people from all backgrounds, creating safe spaces where our differences are embraced and celebrated. Diversity is realizing that even if you may be seen different at first glance, we all share one common thing...our humanity.
Hometown: Puerto Rico
Graduation Year: 2025
Personal definition of Diversity: Diversity is the integration and collaboration of differences. A world that can unite among its differences is a stronger, resilient and peaceful world. I relate it to how rainforests are the most resilient environment because they are biodiverse. All the genetically different species in a rainforest come together to create a beautiful balance through the integration and collaboration of their differences.
Hometown: Boyertown, PA
Graduation Year: 2025
Personal definition of Diversity: Diversity is the act of embracing and learning from people from various backgrounds, ethnicities, mindsets, etc, while also being able to share our own experiences in a safe and open environment.
Hometown: Milan, Italy
Graduation Year: Graduate Student
Personal definition of Diversity: Diversity is perspective and understanding. A lot of the divisiveness we see today in the U.S., and around the world, comes from fear and misunderstanding of the other. Creating spaces for dialogue and reflection about our diverse perspectives and experiences is essential if we want to overcome our struggles and thrive as a society.
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Graduation Year: 2025
Personal definition of Diversity: The traits, backgrounds and beliefs that make us all different.
Hometown: Miami, FL
Graduation Year: 2026
Personal definition of Diversity: My personal definition of diversity is a represented group of people that involves a range of different social and ethnic backgrounds that include various lifestyles, experiences and interests and have mutual understanding and acceptance of the present.
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Graduation Year: 2025
Personal definition of Diversity: Diversity is deeper than just race. It involves an individual’s beliefs, skills, values and abilities. Everyone is unique in their own personal ways, but recognizing and embracing that is the most important part.
Hometown: Cherry Hill, NJ
Graduation Year: 2027
Personal definition of Diversity: In my personal opinion, diversity is defined as the concept that everyone has their own unique background, experiences and beliefs, and they all deserve to feel welcome and valued, regardless of their differences.
Hometown: Helsinki, Finland
Graduation Year: 2026
Personal definition of Diversity: To me, diversity means everyone having the ability to be different no matter their background. Diversity is about accepting and respecting these differences and learning about what makes each person unique.
Hometown: Tampa, FL
Graduation Year: 2027
Personal definition of Diversity: To me, diversity is the love of sharing; sharing perspectives, sharing mutual respect and sharing cultural values. Without passionately sharing through communication and relationship, diversity is dead.
Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya
Graduation Year: 2026
Personal definition of Diversity: Diversity embodies the appreciation and celebration of everyone's unique backgrounds. It signifies that everyone's opinions and cultures are valued and deserve to be heard.
Hometown: Boston, MA
Graduation Year: 2026
Personal definition of Diversity: Diversity, from my perspective, refers to the range of differences among people, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation and ability. Embracing diversity means recognizing and respecting these differences, and working to create an environment where everyone feels valued and included. It is important to celebrate diversity and promote inclusion, as it fosters creativity, innovation and understanding.
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Hometown: Cinnaminson, NJ
Graduation Year: 2025
Personal definition of Diversity: Diversity is the inclusion of different backgrounds and experiences, where various identities are represented, acknowledged and celebrated.
Hometown: Kolkata, India
Graduation Year: 2026
Personal definition of Diversity: Diversity is the free expression and celebration of one’s identity, respecting everyone’s backgrounds and creating an environment to foster and celebrate them.
Hometown: Trinidad and Tobago
Graduation Year: 2026
Personal definition of Diversity: I think that diversity comes in many different shapes and sizes. However, I think that the common point is creating spaces where people of several different backgrounds can interact with each other.
