Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Website
1138 Main Street
610.625.7847
dei@moravian.edu
The Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is responsible for integrating equity and inclusion in every aspect of the University. The Office works collaboratively with faculty and administrative colleagues across the institution to cultivate a welcoming and inclusive campus community. Our office supports the experiences of historically underrepresented and marginalized members of our campus community. Additionally, we facilitate conversations and dialogue to prompt further action towards an equitable campus.
The Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) provides leadership and works collaboratively to support and sustain the development of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus culture where members of the community experience a sense of belonging. Our work centers critical reflection, community conversations, compassion, and collaboration.
Ubuntu Program
The Ubuntu Program is a mentorship program cosponsored by the DEI affinity clubs and and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. These enthusiastic student leadership groups have united to offer comprehensive support for students at Moravian. More specifically, this foundational program will assist new students from historically underrepresented communities in their transition into a predominantly-White institution (PWI).
The program is named after a popular Zulu term that has various definitions, but is most commonly translated to “I Am Because We Are.” The African Journal of Social Work has defined Ubuntu as, “A collection of values and practices that people of Africa or of African origin view as making people authentic human beings. While the nuances of these values and practices vary across different ethnic groups, they all point to one thing – an authentic individual human being is part of a larger and more significant relational, communal, societal, environmental and spiritual world.
With the spirit of Ubuntu in mind, the program aims to prepare our students individually, but also celebrate their various identities as a collective. They will understand the power of community and will have the opportunity to find other students, faculty, and staff to lean on throughout their college experience. They will be able to do this through a series of workshops, activities, and reflection in a structured two-day orientation program assisted by the student leaders from the Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
From Tuesday, August 22 to Thursday, August 24, students who participate in the Ubuntu Program will be mentored and guided by current members of the DEI affinity clubs and select faculty and staff who will help new students become familiar with the Moravian University campus through a series of programs, workshops, and activities. The goal of the Ubuntu Program is to empower and connect our students where their lived experiences will be shared, listened to, and celebrated.
The Ubuntu Program will continue to support new students through the New Student Orientation (NSO) on Friday, August 25 through Sunday, August 27 with a final dinner program offered on Sunday. Registration for the Ubuntu Program is due on Tuesday, August 1. Click here to apply.
First Hounds
The Center for First-Generation Students at Moravian University provides a supportive and welcoming community for first-generation college students and their family members.
Drawing on national best practices and working collaboratively with faculty, staff, and offices from across the campus, we aspire to guide students toward their educational and career goals in a manner that prepares them for successful careers and meaningful lives. We recognize and celebrate first-generation student identity as an asset. First Hounds Proud!
First Hounds will:
- Provide mentoring and guidance to first-generation students;
- Improve first-generation student outcomes;
- Help first-generation students to embrace this aspect of their identity and form a community of first-gens within our campus and
- Empower first-generation students to take on leadership roles and to identify needs for their community.