Inclusion in action

“It’s exciting to see the university invest in supporting all students, to see them continue to support their stance on inclusion on campus,” said Larson, coordinator of LGBTQ and inclusion initiatives. “This is inclusion in action.”

InCLUDE—which stands for inclusion, community, leadership, understanding, diversity and education—will offer a mix of in-person and online resources for students, faculty and staff interested in issues related to multiculturalism, inclusion and LGBTQ, among others. Programming will be offered throughout the year, bringing speakers, exhibits and events to campus.

A student advisory board of seven to 10 members will help give direction to the InCLUDE.

Larson envisions the space itself to be an area in which students are free to study together, to hold student organization meetings or small-scale events, or simply to talk with each other in a safe and welcoming setting.

“We want to create a space for all to feel included and valued,” said Larson. “This is intentionally designed for all students.”

This intentionality marks a new way of thinking in student engagement. Often, a university’s approach to inclusion has been in silos: a center for multiculturalism, another for LGBTQ, perhaps a third for women’s issues.

Larson sees InCLUDE working together with other university resources like Disability Services, Veteran Services and the Women’s Resource Center. He also is establishing relationships with community partners who can offer guidance in their areas of focus.

Partnerships with faculty will add more depth to programming. This year, for instance, Larson has planned an immigration event with Sally Howell, assistant professor of history, and a screening of the film “deepsouth” with Claude Jacobs, associate professor of sociology and anthropology, Gloria House, professor of African & African American Studies and Humanities, and Suzanne Bergeron, professor of women’s studies and social sciences.

The university will host an Open House Monday, Oct. 7, from 2-5 p.m. InCLUDE is located in 2122 University Center. The open house is just one event Larson has planned for LGBTQ Celebration Week, which will include a unity reception, LGBTQ Art Exhibit, Campus Visit of Marcia “Ma” Purdy and An Evening of Drag.