Understanding each other is the essential component with enhancing inclusivity. It is important to have authentic conversations that allows and respects the various voices throughout the campus. We should not be quick to concede on perceived beliefs but move toward a fierce principle of genuine practice of listening to divergent thoughts. The reflection of diverse beliefs propels our community toward embracing inclusivity as a focal point for our campus climate.​

It’s not enough for each of us as individuals to commit to the value of inclusivity, although that is a crucial first step. We also need to change the structures and norms that leave some people feeling less a part of the community or less valued than others and to educate each other (faculty, staff, and students, as well as the wider community) about why this matters. Members of marginalized groups need to be seen and heard and have their concerns responded to, especially when that means something needs to change—whether that’s what we teach, how we teach, or how we do our business. We’ve made progress in recent years creating spaces for this to happen: the Diversity Council became a part of Common Council, the Diversity Corridor has taken shape in the DUC, and faculty and staff are learning through the Toward a More Inclusive Campus training. We need to maintain and build on that work.

I think one of the most important things we can do is to come from a place of humility by recognizing the limitations of our own perspectives and experiences, as well as the value of others’. Recognizing this and proceeding from a place of genuine empathy and curiosity can be so powerful! I think we all also need to be open to continuously learning—to having a growth mindset, if you will—about our individual journeys as citizens in an inclusive community. There will always be more to learn, more perspectives to explore, more angles to consider. If we see this ever-receding horizon as an opportunity for ever-evolving exploration, rather than a reason to stop engaging, we will all be better for it. ​

Lindsay Bernhagen, Director, Center for Inclusive Teaching and Learning (CITL)

Everyone needs to understand that they play a role in helping others feel welcome. Regardless of where you grew up, a place without a lot of diversity or a more diverse community, you have things to learn about yourself and others. It is your responsibility to understand how your upbringing has shaped how you view others and your responsibility to understand the needs of your fellow Pointers.                                                                                                                                   

​ A seat at the table is not enough; amplifying and empowering diverse voices is what we must strive for. We must challenge existing systems that contribute to oppression, root out racism and bigotry, and elevate a new generation of diverse leaders from every corner of our community. Partnering with organizations and people across the campus and community to build new systems centered on justice, equity, and fairness should be every leader's mandate if we want to live in a community that truly embraces each member. 

In order to be more inclusive, we need to have the hard conversations. We need to promote on our social media that we are a welcoming community. There needs to be more conversation on marginalized groups, we need to be welcoming to all genders and identities, and we need to hire more people of color. As a university we need to promote and utilize all of our resources that we have.

Colin J. Nygren, President, Student Government Association (SGA)

We have to be willing to listen and learn from each other, to engage in sometimes uncomfortable conversations, and to confront our own implicit biases. We must be intentional about interacting with people who are different from us by engaging in things such as group projects and committee work to social events and shared meals. Finally, as someone who interacts with and advocates for people with disabilities, we have to keep disability as part of the inclusivity conversation, which includes “invisible disabilities” such as learning disabilities, cardiac/respiratory problems, mental health issues, and neurodiversity. People with disabilities should have a seat at the time and should have academic and social accommodations so that they can fully participate in and add to our vibrant campus life.