Bowling Green State University values diversity as essential to improving the human condition. Diversity and inclusion immeasurably enriches all that we do to engage, understand, and respect individuals. Within our community, the diversity of identities and life experiences determines how we perceive and contribute to society. We acknowledge that diversity has not always been understood or embraced in our society, yet, at BGSU, we will strive to understand and embrace diversity by breaking down barriers to meaningful participation to ensure that individuals are treated with dignity. As a community, we commit to advance this culture through a comprehensive strategy and diversity plan that focuses on the recruitment, retention, and success of a diverse student body, faculty, staff and administration.

As a public university for the public good, our bedrock commitment to diversity and belonging requires mutual respect, understanding, and valuing individuals to facilitate a more diverse and inclusive environment so all can belong.

SEE IT.
HEAR IT.
REPORT IT.

Misconduct occurring on or off campus, Sexual assault or sexual harassment or, a behavior of concern you would like to bring to the attention of the Office of the Dean of Students.

Report an Incident

Division of Inclusion and Belonging

Message from Katie Stygles, Chief Inclusion Officer:

Stygles Katherine 1 In alignment with Bowling Green State University’s Forward Strategic Plan, particularly focused on powering public good through our people and community, the Division of Inclusion and Belonging is here to serve students, faculty and staff in our work to create the culture that we aspire to be: one in which all members of our community belong.

This division is home to the Center for Student Connections and Opportunity, LGBTQ+ Programs, TRIO Programs, the Center for Women and Gender Equity, Gender Violence Prevention and Education Services, and the Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance. Each department offers programs and services for all members of our community. Inclusion and Belonging is also home to a number of inclusion and belonging initiatives including but not limited to the Inclusion and Belonging Council, Beyond the Dream in partnership with the work of many areas and the Affinity and University Resource Groups.

Since the establishment of this division in 2019, there have been many reminders that inclusion and belonging are not destination points at which we will arrive, but rather ongoing and active processes. Diversity is reflected in numbers, but “inclusion is an active process that engages the community to cultivate an environment that sustains and affirms all members” (BGSU Focus on the Future Task Force on Diversity and Inclusion and Diversity Strategic Plan Committee, 2019) and “belonging is an ongoing process of finding and creating connections. It is about the extent to which students, faculty, and staff feel valued, respected, included, and empowered” (BGSU Diversity and Belonging university terms and definitions, modified from Strayhorn, 2018, p. 4).

As we focus on the future, the Division of Inclusion and Belonging emphasizes the importance of these critical elements in the success of our students, faculty, and staff. We look forward to continued collaboration and innovation in this work with our campus and community partners.

In gratitude and solidarity,

Katie Stygles, Ph.D.
Pronouns: She/her/hers

In our work and in our living, we must recognize that difference is a reason for celebration and growth, rather than a reason for destruction.

– Audre Lorde

Division of Inclusion and Belonging Events

Updated: 11/08/2024 09:03AM