Diversity Profile

University of South Dakota Diversity and Inclusiveness Statement

The University of South Dakota is committed to becoming a regional leader in diversity and inclusiveness initiatives and the practice of Inclusive Excellence. 

Diversity and inclusiveness, hallmarks of a twenty-first century institution of higher education, are essential elements of the University of South Dakota's future.  Members of diverse groups possess gifts, talents, experiences, histories, and cultures that allow them to make valuable contributions to the educational mission of the institution and to all those associated with the institution.  A rich mixture of cultures contributes to a positive and vibrant campus climate that benefits all students.  Furthermore, diversity and inclusiveness are assets that can be utilized to help prepare all students for living and working in an increasingly complex and global society.  Accordingly, gender, race/ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, religion, disability, veteran's status, first-generation status, nationality, citizenship, age, and other personal and social dimensions are respected and also highly-valued at USD, where we continue working to ensure that diversity and inclusiveness pervade every level of the University.

Acknowledging and paying particular attention to our strong historical and cultural Native American roots, USD is committed to strengthening existing relationships and developing new relationships with Native American tribes, organizations, and communities within the state, the region, and the nation. 

USD is also committed to graduating globally-aware students who are leaders in working with people from diverse backgrounds.  An extremely important element of this commitment is USD's international focus.  USD continues to provide and build international-focused opportunities such as study abroad and student exchange, while, also continuing to recruit and retain an increasingly-large and culturally-diverse group of international students who contribute to a vibrant and diverse campus community where everyone belongs.

USD is committed to a systematic, intentional, comprehensive, and holistic approach to diversity and inclusiveness.

The University of South Dakota's strategic plan includes five themes representing areas to which the university will devote particular effort in the coming years. One of the strategic themes is:
Diversity and Inclusiveness