"The University of Colorado at Boulder is a community in which diversity is a fundamental value. People are different and the differences among them are what we call diversity. Diversity is a natural and enriching hallmark of life. It includes, but is not limited to, ethnicity, race, gender, age, class, sexual orientation, religion, and physical abilities. A climate of healthy diversity is one in which people value individual and group differences, respect the perspectives of others, and communicate openly."

This definition of diversity was officially adopted by the University of Colorado at Boulder Campus Diversity Committee in l994 following many years of de facto adherence to its principles.

CU-Boulder regards a diverse student body as a vital element of academic excellence and for preparing students for the world of work. Furthermore, the diversity of our faculty, staff, and students directly contributes to the quality of our research, creative work, and teaching.

CU-Boulder encourages understanding and civility among students, staff and faculty through a series of services and programs designed to honor, respect, and value the differences, racial and otherwise, among the members of the academic community. Many of these have been listed elsewhere in our indicator-system materials. See especially these sections of CU-Boulder local indicators:

• Programs for undergraduates with special needs (Undergraduate education item b)
• Programs for graduate students with special needs (Graduate education item d)
• Programs bringing faculty with diverse backgrounds to the classroom (Teaching item b)
• Studies of diverse populations (Research and creative work item e)
• Cosmopolitan campus community (Comprehensive learning environment item f)
• Student groups, classes, and academic programs with community involvement (Outreach item d), in which students learn about diversity in the community

Other evidence of the commitment of CU-Boulder to the values of diversity includes

• The 1998 creation of a new position, associate vice chancellor for diversity, and of the Office of Diversity and Equity. This office has assumed responsibility for coordinating campus activities aimed at enhancing appreciation for the differences among people.
• A comprehensive diversity web site, with policies, reports of the annual diversity summit, and links to connect students and others with organizations and individuals with similar interests
• A campus-wide task force on civility
• The School of Education's masters and doctoral programs in social and multicultural bilingual foundations and BUENO Center, both contributing to diversity at CU-Boulder and throughout the state educational system
• Our attention to the role of technology role in increasing diversity. Part of the draft information technology plan (section 9e) concerns access for students, faculty, and staff with disabilities