C.L.A.S.S. Framework for Diversity and Inclusion

The mission of Hope College is to prepare students for lives of leadership and service in a global society through academic and co-curricular programs of recognized excellence in liberal arts within the Christian context. In 2015 Hope College launched “Hope for the World: 2025,” a 10-year strategic plan. This strategic plan positions Hope College to enlarge its national and international stature as a leader in higher education by providing an unsurpassed educational experience through intellectual engagement, faithful leadership, inclusive excellence, global engagement and developmental resources. In efforts to live more fully into the college’s mission and strategic vision, the Office of Multicultural Education was renamed the “Center for Diversity and Inclusion” (CDI) in August 2016.

Diversity, equity and inclusion is defined in a broad context to include: socio-economic status, religion, disabilities, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, perspectives and geography. The Center for Diversity and Inclusion promotes the intersection of identities and believes that through an increase in racial/ethnic diversity among our students, faculty, staff and administrators, diversity in every other category is strengthened.

The primary focus of CDI is to support students in their sense of belonging and purpose that empowers them to flourish at Hope College and throughout their future (engagement, retention and achievement). Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is infused into every aspect of the college. In doing so, we understand that it takes an empowered and educated village of faculty, staff, administrators and student organizations to build a diverse, equitable and inclusive campus community aimed at preparing all students for lives of leadership and service in a diverse and global world. As such, we work in partnership with the greater Hope College community to support the holistic needs and experiences of students. The framework for CDI is C.L.A.S.S. (Cultural competence, Leadership development, Advocacy, Sense of belonging and student success, and Spiritual enrichment).

Utilize a strengths-based approach to provide training on cultural competence and opportunities for self-reflection and awareness about how privileges and biases manifest in discriminatory and oppressive behaviors.

Collaborative approach with the Center for Diversity & Inclusion, the Boerigter Center for Calling and Career, Human Resources, Residential Life, the Center for Leadership, Campus Ministries and academic divisions to provide students, faculty and staff with professional and leadership development opportunities to develop the vital skills needed to work effectively in diverse, cooperative and team-oriented environments. This includes workshops, retreats and conferences.

Developed an Advocacy and Activist Council of 20 representatives from various sectors of the college to monitor institutional climate, policies and practices related to diversity, equity and inclusion. Conduct campus surveys and focus groups; as well as use institutional data and national trends to support and advocate for inequities on campus. Utilize the S.W.O.T. (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) Framework to submit proposals to create opportunities to improve institutional climate and diverse outcomes.

Areas of specific focus:
- Increase recruitment, retention and promotion of faculty, staff and administrators of color
- Increase recruitment, retention and graduation of students of color
- Create an equitable and inclusive campus community that enables students, faculty, staff and administrators from all backgrounds to be respected, valued and rewarded for their contributions
- Reflect commitment to diversity and inclusion in position descriptions, policies, practices, decisions and outcomes

Provide individual and group opportunities to support students in their sense of identity and belonging to create a culture of success. A strong focus is on mentoring programs and building supportive communities.

Provide supportive and encouraging opportunities for students to develop and strengthen their spiritual values, which contributes to their self-confidence and psychological well-being.