Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

The Office of Graduate studies is committed to upholding KU's perspective that equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging are at the core of institutional excellence. Central to this mission is the cohesive and comprehensive integration of diversity into university processes, practices, and administration.The Office of Graduate Studies strives to recruit, retain, and support graduate students in the full range of disciplines and degree programs in the Schools and the College. The units in Graduate Studies partner with multiple graduate programs and departments to further support, mentor and nurture talented graduate students from all cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds.

This support is particularly essential for students have been historically underrepresented in higher education and who bring a range of experience, cultural awareness, and perspectives to the university’s activities of learning and scholarship. To this end, the Office works with graduate departments and programs for the recruitment, retention, and funding of underrepresented minority graduate students to give greater attention to and to garner improved resources for enhancing diversity in the graduate student body.

The Office of Graduate Studies joins with the Chancellor, Provost, and Schools and the College in their statements of commitment to responding to the needs of society and to creating an inclusive and caring environment that recruits and retains graduate students who bring diversity and excellence to graduate education.