The Program in Environmental Design aims to provide an inclusive learning environment that celebrates a diversity of perspectives and backgrounds, and in which all students, staff, faculty and the ENVD community are valued. We believe the quality of design education and the vigor of our field are enhanced and enriched through diverse backgrounds, opinions, talents, and perspectives.
We are committed to these fundamental values. We recognize that inclusivity in the fields of Environmental Design needs work at multiple scales and at various institutional levels. Our mission is to approach inclusivity at the individual level, the program level, and the campus level, as well as advocate for change in the design professions. We are committed to fostering these core ideals and values in the following ways:
At the Individual Level - through engaged dialogue, by understanding each other, and moving beyond tolerance to embracing our individual differences.
At the Program Level – by cultivating an inclusive teaching and learning environment in the classrooms and throughout the ENVD Program, and by integrating diverse perspectives into the ENVD curriculum, which is the cornerstone of our approach to design education. We aim to cultivate a critical perspective on course content and pedagogy to minimize ways design education disregards underrepresented perspectives.
At the Campus Level – by partnering with the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Community Engagement (ODECE) to implement CU Boulder’s vision for a diverse campus climate and contributing to the campus diversity plan. We aim to continue applying for research grants to study inclusivity in environmental design education and on campus. At this level, we hope to be a model for other campus units.
At the Design Profession Level – by graduating students who will carry the values of diversity and inclusion into the design professions and continue to build a culture of acceptance and appreciation for diverse viewpoints in the world. We also aim to engage our student groups in professional advocacy through involvement with professional societies and student chapter efforts focusing on diversity and inclusivity.
