Data is accurate as of the entry date. Our site also maintains a historical record of past actions. Because programming changes, check whether the linked data is still live and also use our template for a Google search (below).
- Mailing Address
-
1032 Jim Gilligan Way
Beaumont, Texas 77710 - Phone
- (409) 880-8888
- Email address
- admissions@lamar.edu
- Website
- https://www.lamar.edu/
- School Information
- "Home to more than 17,000 students, Lamar University is among the fastest growing Texas colleges and universities. LU is a member of The Texas State University System, which is the first higher education system of Texas and maintains the lowest average tuition and fees of any university system in Texas. With more than 100 degree options and a community that cares, Lamar students are always proud to be Cardinals" (Source: https://www.lamar.edu/about-lu/index.html). Furthermore, "Lamar University is nationally recognized for our quality curriculum for all degree program levels: Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral. The university is broken into five undergraduate colleges, one graduate college, and an honors college." Founded in 1923, the university offers 139 degree programs and has a student to faculty ratio of 19 to 1.
- General Information
- Lamar University has created the President's Task Force on Diversity, Inclusion, Access, and Equity. This task force created a strategic plan which involves lowering the level of math hours required and other related changes.. Training Modules for Intercultural Competence are also offered. Lamar hosts numerous DEI events, as well. See developments below:
Actions Taken
- Anti-Racism, Bias, and Diversity Training
-
-
Lamar offers Intercultural Competence Training Modules.
-
On July 24, 2020, Lamar reported that two faculty members have been selected to present during a virtual webinar, "Addressing Racism in Communication Sciences and Disorders Education." The webinar happened from August 3-5, 2020, and aimed to help educators identify "key elements of cultural humility and the characteristics needed to decrease bias and help them design inclusive learning environments that include multicultural curriculum and anti-racist content."
-
- Curriculum Changes and Requirements
-
-
Lamar has a President's Task Force on Diversity, Inclusion, Access, and Equity. This task force has created the 2020-2025 strategic plan which involves lowering the level of math hours required and other related changes.
-
Lamar's 2024-2025 Comprehensive Catalog includes "Social Responsibility" as one of the objectives of its core curriculum which is described as follows: "[To] include intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities."
-
- Program and Research Funding
-
-
The Division of Academic Affairs at Lamar hosts the McNair Scholars Program which is "designed to create a direct pipeline to graduate study." The eligibility requirement sections states that applicants should be a first generation/low income undergraduate student and/or a "member of a group underrepresented in graduate study (African American, HIspanic [sic], Native American, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. [sic]"
-
- Resources
-
-
As part of Lamar's 2020 LU Reads for Change book selections, Lamar compiled a list of resources on anti-racism, including Ibram X. Kendi's book, "How to Be an Anti-Racist."
-
Lamar has an Office of Global Diversity and Inclusive Excellence.
-
The university has a Division of Global Diversity, Inclusion, and Intercultural Affairs.
-
The university has an Office of Multicultural Student Retention Programs and Services which offers mentoring to multicultural students through Men of Excellence, UNIDAD Scholars, and Women of Excellence programs. A faculty and staff mentoring program, C.A.R.E.S., is also offered.
-
On April 8, 2017, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Diversity Conference Planning Committee held a Diversity and Inclusion Conference.
-
The Office of Global Diversity and Inclusive Excellence has a Faculty Diversity and Inclusion Toolkit.
-
The university states, "The Diversity Dialogue Discussion Series will serve as a catalyst to engage the Lamar University campus (students, staff, faculty, administration officers) in discussions and dialogues surrounding diversity, equity, inclusion, race, and social justice issues."
-
As part of the Texas State University System, the school has released an update on Prohibited Initiatives for DEI outlining its prevention of such programs from being done.
-
Lamar hosts many affinity groups and student run organizations, including the University Multicultural Enhancement Committee (UMEC) and the Multicultural Greek Council. The UMEC "advises the president on matters pertaining to institutional enhancement strategies and initiatives that promote diversity and cultural inclusion" while the council is "dedicated to promote [sic] multicultural awareness for the University as well as to the community through service and involvement with the student body."
-
On February 28, 2024, The University Press (Lamar News) published an article titled "How will SB17 affect Lamar?" which discusses how the new law would affect DEI practices and offices at Lamar University. According to Emily Ardolino, Associate General Counsel of the Texas State University System, "'The primary thing it prohibits is institutions from having DEI offices'." Ardolino also noted that the school is "'prohibited from compelling a diversity statement or giving preferential consideration'" as part of its hiring practices.
-
- Symbolic Actions
-
-
Lamar has Celebrate Diversity Month in April.
-
On June 2, 2020, Lamar announced, "The death of George Floyd is an unspeakable tragedy. We grieve the senseless loss of life and the tumultuous events occurring across our great nation while striving to be a place of unity, peace and most of all inclusion."
-