- Mailing Address
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1 University Cir
Macomb, Illinois 61455 - Phone
- (309) 298-1414
- Email address
- admissions@wiu.edu
- Website
- http://www.wiu.edu/
- School Information
- "We provide student-centered undergraduate and graduate programs characterized by innovative teaching, research, and service, grounded in interdisciplinary, regional and global perspectives. We engage our students in educational opportunities guided by a professional and diverse faculty and staff in collaboration with alumni and community partners. "WIU offers an outstanding variety of in-demand undergraduate and graduate programs, integrated programs, pre-professional programs, and certificate programs." The university has a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, enrolls over 5,200 students, and offers 64 undergraduate degrees, 33 graduate degrees, and one doctorate. (Source: http://www.wiu.edu/about/) (Source: http://www.wiu.edu/about/docs/fastfacts.pdf)
- General Information
- In response to the social/political movements over the summer, Western Illinois University sought to provide antiracist resources and training to its students, faculty, and staff. The university has provided an "Anti-Racist Inquiry Series" for faculty. No mandatory Critical Race Training sessions are yet required of students. However, see developments below:
Actions Taken
- Anti-Racism, Bias, and Diversity Training
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The new Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at WIU has numerous diversity initiatives including efforts to “educate and empower students, staff, and faculty to be social justice advocates” and to “provide curricula, programs, training, resources, and environments” towards diversity.
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In February of 2024, Western Illinois University expressed that it recently received a $25,000 grant from IDHS and The Field Foundation of Illinois. The grant will allow WIU to “offer in-person DEI training for faculty, staff and students.”
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- Curriculum Changes and Requirements
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As part of the general education requirements for a Bachelor’s degree at WIU, all students are required to take a course in Multicultural Studies to “develop an understanding of diversity in the United States” and “understand multiple approaches to issues of social justice.”
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- Program and Research Funding
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The school has a $100 million “fundraising and engagement initiative” known as For the W where one of the priorities is DEI. The school states “[investing] in DEI initiatives will have a profound, positive impact on our changing world through the unique interaction of instruction, research, and public service.”
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- Resources
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The university has created a six-part "Anti-Racist Inquiry Series for Faculty" series, which aims to create a more "equitable pedagogy".
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The Western Illinois University Libraries “will introduce a diversity plan as part of the university’s strategic plan and in collaboration with promoting diversity and inclusion” by adding new collections to the library.
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The president released a DEI statement saying, “we will uphold and strengthen our University's commitment to social justice, equity, and diversity, and together, we will stand up to hate and racism.”
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The school’s Multicultural Services works to “promote and celebrate diversity within the WIU campus.”
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- Symbolic Actions
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In order to “further the University’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and efforts,” Western Illinois University President created the new Anti-Racism Task Force (ARTF).
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On January 16, 2024, Western Illinois University celebrated its inaugural National Day of Racial Healing.
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