Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The advancement of diversity, equity and inclusion is critical to our mission to be creative leaders and transform lives through the arts.

The College of the Arts respects and encourages all voices to be heard and supports all faculty, staff and community members to participate, collaborate and work with us fully and authentically. We believe that diversity is critically important because we grow and become inspired by the influence of each others' varied perspectives. The College of the Arts is an advocate for students of color, LGBTQ+ students, first-generation students, students with differing abilities, students from all economic backgrounds, international students, as well as students of all ethnicities, religions, and cultures. It is our goal to provide a welcoming space where every student can perform at their maximum capacity, become global change-makers, and transform the lives of others through their work.

Suggestion Box

We value your feedback! Please use this box to share any suggestions or concerns about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in the College of the Arts you may have.

The College of the Arts is comprised of:

College Leadership team
Kent State University Museum
School of Art
School of Fashion
School of Music
School of Theatre and Dance

Your input helps us improve and create a better experience, a more welcoming and inclusive climate and a greater sense of belonging within the College of the Arts. Submissions can be anonymous, but if you’d like a response, please provide your contact information.

The form submissions will go to Marquis Davis, Director of Access, Belonging and Engagement. Thank you for your contribution!

Event and Programming Feedback

We value your feedback! The College of the Arts invites you to share your thoughts on our events and programming. Your input helps us create a more welcoming and engaging experience across our Schools of Art, Fashion, Music, and Theatre and Dance, as well as the Kent State University Museum, Porthouse Theatre, Kent Blossom Music Festival, and Kent Blossom Art Intensives.

Take the Survey

DEI Strategic Plan

College of the Arts DEI Strategic Plan Goal Year #2 (2023-2024): Invest in DEI strength and capability

Action Steps

Increase in delivering diverse, equitable and inclusive programming/education and curriculum.
Create and promote initiatives for improving College of the Arts experience for students.
Develop processes that facilitate and recognize measurable DEIA related contributions in faculty and staff evaluations.

BIPOC Community Gathering

BIPOC Community Gathering for Students, Faculty, and Staff

What Is A Community Gathering?

College of the Arts Community Gatherings are for BIPOC students, faculty, and staff.

The BIPOC Community Gathering is a place where real conversations are had. It is a place where BIPOC people can come to discuss and find a reprieve from today's societal challenges.

Kent State Mental Health Resources

Upcoming Community Gatherings

All events in the BIPOC Community Gathering event series are free and open to the public. We welcome students, faculty, administrators and staff from the College of the Arts and throughout the University. It is our hope to have a diverse audience so that our conversations include multiple voices and perspectives.

BIPOC Community Gathering: Faculty and Staff Edition

Join us to meet other members of the BIPOC community from within the College of the Arts in an informal social gathering! Come and engage in conversation and community. Upcoming event dates will be posted as they become available.

What Does BIPOC Stand For?

BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, and people of color: used especially in the U.S. to mean Black people, Indigenous American people, and other people who do not consider themselves to be White.

Definition pulled from the Cambridge Dictionary

Contact the Director of Access, Belonging and Engagement:

Marquis C. Davis
mcdavis@kent.edu
ADOCota@kent.edu

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion KSU Division of People, Culture, and Belonging