Our Commitment to Diversity
The Department of Sociology and Criminology embraces the College of the Liberal Arts commitment to diversity and inclusion (la.psu.edu/about/diversity-and-inclusion). We aim to embody its core values through our courses and research on the causes and consequences of social inequality, the recruitment and development of outstanding students from diverse backgrounds, and the educational and outreach activities of the department’s Diversity Promotion Committee (DPC).
College of the Liberal Arts Values Statement
The College of the Liberal Arts is dedicated to free and critical inquiry into the human condition in all of its social, cultural, and historical diversity. We are committed to maintaining a fearless and inclusive environment that supports an open and respectful exchange of ideas in the classroom, on campus, and on line. To that end, we do not tolerate threats, intimidation, harassment, vandalism, and violence directed at anyone in our community, no matter their race, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, immigration status, socioeconomic status, political convictions, or disability. And, we support the work of all our departments and programs, including those focusing on the experiences of underrepresented groups.
College of the Liberal Arts Honors Code
I pledge to conduct myself with honor and integrity in all academic, personal, and professional pursuits. I will be responsible for the academic integrity of my work and encourage my peers to do the same. I will carry these values with me as I graduate from this college.
Department Diversity Promotion Committee
The goal of the department’s Diversity Promotion Committee is to increase the diversity of our students and faculty, foster an inclusive climate, and promote professional development. Over the years, this committee has worked to:
- Encourage marginalized racial/ethnic students to select the sociology or criminology majors, and undergraduate majors to pursue graduate training.
- Attract marginalized racial/ethnic students to our graduate program, and support minority students over the course of their graduate career.
- Promote the recruitment of marginalized racial/ethnic faculty.
- Sponsor race/ethnicity programs within the department and occasional university-wide programs.
- Develop international/intercultural programs in the department.
- Enhance the instructional training of graduate students, focusing on teaching about race/ethnicity or in multi-racial classrooms.
- Develop the department website so our commitment to diversity is effectively communicated.
- Direct members of the department, including graduate and undergraduate students, to other resources available in the University, College, and the broader Penn State Community.
Diversity Resources
A social organization at Penn State committed to the integration of African students on campus
A biracial discussion group at Penn State
Provides information on College-wide resources
An organization founded to attract and retain a diverse group of individuals to assist in creating and fostering an inclusive community
Dedicated to ensuring that all Black persons participate fully in and benefit from the mission of the University to provide educational opportunities for all citizens
An organization supporting the global community at Penn State
Leads Graduate School’s effort to foster diversity and foster a welcoming climate for graduate students of underrepresented groups
Provides a comprehensive range of programming, education, information, and advocacy services.
Provides individual counseling and educational services for undergraduate multicultural students
A comprehensive, direct service unit for veterans and Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) benefits recipients
Serves as a catalyst and advocate for Penn State’s diversity and inclusion initiatives
A complete list of student organizations
Provides students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests with a Penn State User ID with a Web form for reporting acts of hate or intolerance that occur at Penn State