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Columbus State University

Undergraduate School

Mailing Address
4225 University Avenue
Columbus, Georgia 31907
Phone
(706) 507-8800
School Information
"Great universities inspire the very best in us. They nurture new ideas, fresh perspectives, and creative problem- solving. They challenge students to discover their passions – and to turn those passions into thriving careers that improve our world. Columbus State University is exactly that kind of place. With exceptional facilities, ideal class sizes, and unique field experiences, our students have room to create. Here, every faculty and staff member is part of the educational process, actively mentoring students and championing each new step in their journey. Located just 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, CSU is part of the University System of Georgia. Each year, we enroll more than 7,000 students from the Southeast, across the nation, and around the world" (Source: https://www.columbusstate.edu/aboutus/). The university offers over 90 programs, hosting a student to faculty ratio of 15 to 1 and a total enrollment of over 7,800 students.
General Information
CSU's Theatre Department created a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging Task Force and Plan which involves DEIB training for students, faculty, and staff. CSU also crafted its Campus Inclusion Action Steps which involve DEI programming and professional development. See developments below:

Actions Taken

Anti-Racism, Bias, and Diversity Training
  • CSU hosts an Office of Diversity Programs and Services which offers diversity programs, forums, resources, and diversity training. The Office of DPS also has its own Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts.
  • The Theatre Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Plan entails that "faculty, staff and students will participate in ongoing training to increase DEIB awareness and skills" and "during orientation, new students will be introduced to the department's DEIB plan - a central statement of values of all departmental operations."
  • As part of the Campus Inclusion Action Steps, the university stated that it will "expand the university’s professional development opportunities so employees have more access to training and education on how to successfully model inclusion and engagement."
  • As part of the Campus Inclusion Action Steps, the university stated that it will "continue the 'courageous conversations' that were originally part of the survey process, and make them a routine part of every semester."
Curriculum Changes and Requirements
  • Part of the Theatre Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Plan involves the goal that "courses will be inclusive in practice and diverse in content."
  • CSU's MEd Program in School Counseling calls upon students to "develop and demonstrate proficiency in P-12 students’ social/emotional development and career preparedness including proficiency in issues of diversity and providing leadership for a comprehensive school counseling plan for student success."
Program and Research Funding
  • The Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation program at Columbus State "supports historically underrepresented students in STEM" and is "limited to a select and highly committed group of students with a declared major in science, technology, engineering, mathematics." The program aims to "racial and ethnic groups historically underrepresented in STEM disciplines: African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Native Pacific Islanders."
Resources
  • CSU released a statement outlining its "Reaffirmation of Commitment to Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Diversity."
  • CSU created a Theatre Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Task Force.
  • As part of the Theatre Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Plan, the department will ensure that "season selection will be guided by the values of diversity and inclusion, and will be representative of our community" and "casting will create opportunities for diversity and inclusion."
  • As part of the Campus Inclusion Action Steps, the university stated that it will "proceed with the hiring of a high-level staff member whose focus is on ensuring CSU’s values of inclusion and engagement are modeled on a daily basis, at all levels of the university."
  • CSU created a DEI Committee.
  • CSU hosts a program, Men About Change, which is "a diverse assembly of young minority collegiate men dedicated to 'education, mentorship, economic empowerment and health and wellness.'"
  • The goal of the university's 2023 (March 29-30) Diversity Forum was to "create a platform to engage the Columbus community and CSU in serious, and sometimes difficult dialogue concerning issues of diversity, poverty and inequality."
  • Diversity Peer Educators "facilitate discussions with their peers about cultural awareness, diversity and inclusion in an effort to create a more inclusive campus community. (Ice breakers, Team Builders and Diversity Activities)."
  • CSU's Counseling Center provides "Racial Justice" resources which include "What White People Can Do for Racial Justice," "How to Be Anti-Racist" and "Resources for Talking to Kids about Race."
Symbolic Actions
  • As part of the Campus Inclusion Action Steps, the university stated that it will "publish a letter every year from the president outlining CSU’s commitment to inclusion on campus and adherences to state and federal guidelines."
Last updated October 4th, 2023
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