Our Diversity Commitments Christ-Centered Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Community
You Belong. Your Story Matters.
Our Commitment and Foundation
Diversity Matters
Christ holds first place in the educational mission of our college both as an academic institution and as a residential community. The specific expectations of college members in response to Christ’s preeminence are enumerated in the Community Life Statement. “Diversity Matters at 鶹avӳý” describes how we live out these expectations as we strive to love one another as Christ has first loved us. Learn More
WHY MICAH 6:8?
Diversity is Biblical.We believe that the call to be a diverse community is rooted in scripture and evident in God's creation. There was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the lamb. God saw all that he had made and it was very good. | Diversity is Communal.We believe that diversity can only be expressed in community where we are sharing our distinct gifts, experiences and perspectives. There are different kinds of gifts...The body is a unit, though it is made of many parts...if one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it... | Diversity is Practical.We believe that we most effectively contribute to and benefit from a globalized society by learning skills that allow us to work, worship and live well and wisely in our world. A body is made up of many parts, and each of them has its own use. That's how it is with us. There are many of us, but we each are part of the body of Christ, as well as part of one another. |
We believe that the call to be a diverse community is rooted in scripture and evident in God's creation.
By the Numbers
FIRST-GENERATION STUDENTS | 
MULTICULTURAL STUDENTS | 
HISPANIC STUDENTS |
Programs
Intercultural Programs at 鶹avӳý bring students together to celebrate culture, build understanding and foster a deeper sense of belonging across campus.
Organizations
Student intercultural organizations at 鶹avӳý create vibrant spaces where you can find your people, lead with purpose and make a meaningful impact on campus.
Events
Intercultural events at 鶹avӳý spark connection, celebrate global perspectives and invite the campus community into meaningful, shared experiences.
Campus Life and Community Engagement
Campus Life and Community Engagement at 鶹avӳý cultivate a vibrant, Christ-centered community where meaningful relationships, service and shared experiences bring students together.
Chapel, Conversations, and Campus Dialogue
Chapel, conversations and campus dialogue at 鶹avӳý create space for thoughtful reflection, honest conversation and a deeper pursuit of truth together.
Residential Life and Belonging Initiatives
Residential Life and belonging initiatives at 鶹avӳý foster inclusive living communities where students are known, supported and truly feel at home.
Campus-Wide Events and Partnerships
Campus-wide events and partnerships at 鶹avӳý bring the community together through shared experiences that inspire connection, collaboration and lasting impact.
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Academic and College-Wide Initiatives
Academic Initiatives
Curriculum (e.g., Justice, Reconciliation, Diversity GE)▼
Courses rooted in justice, reconciliation and diversity equip students to think critically and engage the world with wisdom and compassion.
Faculty-led research and teaching▼
Faculty scholarship and teaching integrate diverse perspectives, inviting students into deeper inquiry and meaningful discovery.
Global and intercultural learning▼
Global and intercultural learning experiences broaden horizons and prepare students to navigate an increasingly connected world.
College Initiatives
Strategic priorities▼
Strategic priorities guide intentional efforts to cultivate a more inclusive and thriving campus community.
Institutional commitments▼
Institutional commitments reflect 鶹avӳý’s ongoing dedication to fostering dignity, belonging and mutual respect.
Long-range diversity goals▼
Long-range diversity goals set a vision for sustained growth, accountability and lasting impact.
Co-Curricular Impact
Leadership development▼
Leadership development opportunities empower students to lead with character, confidence and cultural awareness.
Service and community engagement▼
Service and community engagement connect students to meaningful work that makes a difference locally and globally.
Faculty and Staff Leadership
Director of the Carol Houston Center for Justice, Reconciliation and Diversity, Chief Diversity Officer, Professor of Psychology
Featured Stories and Voices
The Santa Barbara Unified School District’s Program for Effective Access to College (PEAC) held its annual PEAC Foundation Awards Night celebration at UC Santa Barbara, marking an inspiring night for college bound students as their college and university destinations were announced. It’s an evening of grand celebration recognizing the PEAC scholarship recipients who are often the first in their families to go to college.
Alumna Kailie Grinder ’16, who earned a doctorate in intercultural studies at Fuller Theological Seminary, has returned to campus as 鶹avӳý’s intercultural programs (ICP) interim director.
“Class of 2025, remember to be kind, remember to love one another, and remember that you’re going to do great things . . . wherever you go. You’re already one step closer to your dreams and one step ahead because you came to a school where you learned in two languages.”
More than 170 high school students and their families attended Affording Your College Dream, a community event that explores the best ways low-income students can fund a college education.
With more than 23 percent of students identifying as Latino or Hispanic, 鶹avӳý has become an Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution.
About 400 new incoming students, including the Grotenhuis Nursing cohort of 24, arrived at 鶹avӳý for a week of Orientation in August before starting their first semester at the college.