Office of Diversity Affairs
Welcome #
Welcome to the Office of Diversity Affairs! Our mission is to foster an inclusive and equitable environment where everyone feels valued and respected. We are dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through various programs, resources, and initiatives. Whether you are a student, faculty member, or staff, we are here to support you and ensure that our community thrives on the principles of mutual respect and understanding. Join us in our commitment to creating a vibrant and diverse campus where every voice is heard and celebrated.
We fully endorse IU’s definition and statement of diversity. The Office of the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs (DEMA) offers resources, trainings, programs and more. Our faculty and students are engaged in many of these efforts, on multiple levels, across campus and in the broader community.
We acknowledge the Indiana University School of Social Work is located on the ancestral lands of Indigenous Peoples from time immemorial (e-ma-memorial). Indiana is the traditional lands of Potawatomi (Pot-a-wat-a-me), Illini (uh-lie-ni), Miami, Kickapoo, Lenape (le-na-pee)/Delaware, Wea (we), Piankashaw (pee-ain-pa-shaw), Shawnee, Nanticoke (nan-ta-coke), and Wyandot (why-n-dot). We are dedicated to amplifying Indigenous voices and perspectives, improving community relationships, correcting the narratives, and making the Indiana University School of Social Work supportive and inclusive places for Native and Indigenous students, faculty, and staff. With humility and respect, we at Indiana University School of Social Work recognize and honor all Indigenous Peoples, their histories, their political rights and sovereignty and their sacred ties to the land and waters.
Founded in 1969, IU Indianapolis stands on the historic homelands of Native peoples and, more recently, that of a vibrant Black community, also displaced. As the present stewards of the land, we honor them all as we live, work and study at IU Indianapolis.
- Demonstrating equity and inclusion through ethical practice to ensure that all voices are heard, respected, and considered.
- Practicing collaborative and transparent decision making that engages and responds to all individuals regardless of rank or status.
- Emphasizing diversity as a critical value in implementing collaborative community-wide system initiatives.
- Providing educational experiences that equip our students to promote well-being for individuals, families, communities, and organizations.
Ensure a Diverse and Inclusive Environment Pillar #
From our strategic plan ‘Ensure a Diverse and Inclusive Environment Pillar,’ is one of our foundational pillars and is critical for several reasons:
- Enhanced Creativity and Innovation: When people from diverse backgrounds come together, they bring unique perspectives and ideas, fostering creativity and innovation.
- Better Decision-Making: Diverse teams are known to make better decisions because they consider a wider range of viewpoints and solutions.
- Increased Employee Satisfaction: An inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected leads to higher job satisfaction and retention rates.
- Reflecting Society: A diverse and inclusive environment better reflects the society we live in, making organizations more relatable and effective in serving their communities.
- Legal and Ethical Responsibility: Promoting diversity and inclusion is not only the right thing to do but also aligns with legal standards and ethical practices.
By prioritizing diversity and inclusion, we create a more dynamic, innovative, and supportive community for everyone.
Dr. Jennifer McChristian, Assistant Dean of Diversity Affairs #
“My journey with Indiana University began in 2005 when I proudly graduated from the Master of Social Work program as a Department of Child Services’ Scholar with a macro concentration. With great excitement and commitment, I return to IU, stepping into this transformative inaugural role with a deep passion for fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable learning environment for all.
My primary goal is to create a nurturing atmosphere where every student, faculty member, and staff member feels valued, respected, and empowered. I believe that diversity is not just about representation; it’s about ensuring that every voice is heard, every perspective is respected, and every individual can thrive. I am committed to fostering diversity and promoting equity and inclusion. By leveraging my background as the founding director for student success at the University of Indianapolis, where I spearheaded comprehensive student retention efforts, I intend to implement innovative practices and policies at Indiana University that enhance the overall community experience.
My journey in the field of social work has been driven by a commitment to empowering marginalized communities and advocating for social justice. With a Doctorate in Social Work, my research has delved into the perceived sense of belonging of African American female undergraduate students at Historically White Colleges and Universities. This exploration has deepened my understanding of the challenges these students face and fueled my determination to create inclusive spaces where every student can flourish academically and personally.
Integrating social work core values into our strategies is at the heart of my approach. By assessing, intervening, and designing initiatives that reflect these values, we can develop a campus environment where diversity is celebrated, equity is upheld, and inclusion is woven into the fabric of our institution. This role is essential for the Indiana University School of Social Work. It signifies our commitment to nurturing a diverse generation of social work professionals equipped to navigate the complexities of our ever-changing world with empathy, cultural competence, and a deep understanding of social justice.
Beyond my professional pursuits, I enjoy creative expressions such as painting and singing karaoke. However, my greatest source of fulfillment comes from my role as a mother, which continually reminds me of the importance of our work here. Every effort we invest in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion shapes a better future for the next generation.
I am excited to collaborate with each of you in this transformative journey. Let us work together to build a more inclusive School of Social Work.”
-Jennifer McChristian, Assistant Dean of Diversity Affairs