Georgia Southern University is a special place and we strive to create a climate where everyone feels they belong and where every student sees a clear path to success in front of them.
In a world growing more diverse every year, prospective students, faculty, staff, donors and partners are looking for organizational commitments to Inclusive Excellence. At Georgia Southern, Inclusive Excellence is an important element in recruiting top talent, attracting students and retaining employees.
These efforts are the central pillar of our strategic plan, and we call this on-going, collaborative process “Inclusive Excellence.” At Georgia Southern, Inclusive Excellence is not the responsibility of one person or one office – it’s a value that must permeate every level of our organization and every corner of our campuses.
Inclusive Excellence at Georgia Southern University
Inclusive Excellence is a strategic pillar and a core value at Georgia Southern University. We recognize that our success as an institution of higher learning depends on our ability to embrace, value, and appreciate the diversity of students, staff, faculty, administrators, and alumni across our campuses. Inclusive excellence is continuous and comprehensive; intentional and dynamic; transformational and innovative and is embedded in all aspects of our culture and actions. Inclusive excellence speaks to sustaining a campus climate that honors, respects, and is inclusive of all elements of diversity that make each of us unique: culture, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, age, (dis)ability, creed, religious or spiritual beliefs, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, class, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, political philosophy, etc. We uphold that all of our individual differences enrich our university. Together, we are Georgia Southern – committed to growing ourselves to grow others.
Featured Programs
Call Me MISTER®
Georgia Southern University’s College of Education, in collaboration with Clemson University, is proud to offer the Call Me MISTER® program to our community. This initiative aims to address the shortage of diverse educators by recruiting, supporting, and developing promising male teacher candidates from underrepresented backgrounds. By providing mentorship, professional development, and a strong support network, Call Me MISTER® empowers aspiring educators to excel in the classroom and make a positive impact on the lives of students.
EAGLE Academy
EAGLE Academy is a comprehensive transition program designed to support young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their journey to independence. By offering a two-year certificate program focused on independent living, career skills, and academic development, EAGLE Academy empowers students to achieve their full potential. Through inclusive post-secondary education, students gain valuable life skills and prepare for successful integration into the workforce and community.
Men of Vision and Excellence (MOVE)
The Men of Vision and Excellence (MOVE) program is a university initiative designed to enhance the academic success and retention of African-American male students at Georgia Southern University. By providing academic support, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities, MOVE aims to create a supportive community that empowers students to achieve their academic and personal goals.
Access and Opportunities
TRiO Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program
The McNair Scholars Program at Georgia Southern University is a TRiO program that prepares underrepresented, high-performing students for graduate school. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the McNair Scholars Program seeks to increase the number of first-generation, low-income, and/or underrepresented students in Ph.D. programs, and ultimately, diversify the faculty in colleges and universities across the country.
Child Care Access Means Parents in School Program (CCAMPIS)
The Childcare Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) program is a federally funded initiative supporting low-income student-parents attending Georgia Southern. By providing financial assistance for childcare costs and offering a range of supportive services, CCAMPIS aims to increase student-parent retention, graduation rates, and overall well-being. The program offers workshops, mentoring, and coaching to help participants navigate academic challenges, balance family responsibilities, and achieve their educational goals.
REACH for Southern Scholars Program
REACH for Southern is dedicated to empowering low-income students through comprehensive support. This initiative, in partnership with the Georgia Student Finance Authority, provides academic resources, mentorship opportunities, community-building experiences, and career development guidance. By fostering a supportive environment and offering financial assistance, REACH for Southern helps students overcome barriers to higher education and achieve their academic and professional goals.
TRiO Student Support Services
The TRIO Student Support Services program at Armstrong/Liberty Campuses is designed to help students overcome obstacles and achieve their academic goals. This program offers a range of services, including academic advising, tutoring, and mentoring to first-generation, low-income, and disabled students. By providing personalized support and resources, TRIO empowers students to succeed in their studies and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Inclusive Excellence is a collaborative process uniting Georgia Southern students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni in the work of embedding diversity and inclusiveness throughout University life. A commitment to Inclusive Excellence will create an engaged, welcoming campus climate that values diversity, supports student-leaders and rewards excellence at every level.
A centerpiece of our strategic plan, Inclusive Excellence is also focused on preparing students to succeed in a multicultural economy. According to the American Management Association, a person’s Cultural Intelligence Quotient, which enables college graduates to excel in a diverse workplace, is the #1 predictor of success in today’s global economy.
Inclusive Excellence is not limited to race, as it encompasses a much wider range of experiences, voices and perspectives that define the Georgia Southern community.
In addition to providing a world-class education, Georgia Southern has a larger responsibility to support diversity and to prepare students for success in a multicultural world. That commitment connects back to the University’s core mission to create “vibrant learning environments that foster an inclusive, student-centered culture of engagement designed to prepare students for lifelong service as scholars, leaders and responsible stewards of their communities.”
Everyone. Workshops, discussion groups, and training are being provided for faculty, staff, students, alumni, and our community to help everyone learn more about what Inclusive Excellence means as well as how to thoughtfully and respectfully engage with people who are “different” from ourselves. Several offices and organizations (see the Offices and Councils list on the left) help to guide these efforts.
First, you can set an example by treating others with kindness and understanding, realizing that you play a critical role in creating a welcoming campus climate at Georgia Southern.
You can also attend one of our many events and workshops, or get involved with Office of Inclusive Excellence in Academic Affairs or the Office of Multicultural Affairs in Student Affairs.