The University is committed to creating an educational community that is intellectually, culturally and socially diverse, enriched by the contributions and full participation of persons from many different backgrounds. As part of that effort, two special commissions have been assembled to promote gender equity and racial diversity: The Commission on the Status of Women and the Commission to Promote Racial and Cultural Diversity.

Composed of students, faculty, and professional and salaried staff, these commissions work to create a climate that encourages all members of the University community to respect and appreciate individual and cultural differences, to promote equity for people of different backgrounds in all areas of University life, and to enhance the curriculum by including the perspectives of different races, cultures and genders. The commissions, members of which are appointed by the President, also identify problem areas and make recommendations for positive changes. In addition, the University Council on Student Diversity and Success was created recently as part of a new initiative to enhance diversity among students and to support their academic success, intellectual, cultural, and ethical development as citizens, scholars, and professionals.