Diversity is a collection of differences, including but not limited to differences in socioeconomic status, family status, educational background and status, culture, and ethnicity.

Inclusion is when individuals of different backgrounds are heard, welcomed, and respected.

Equity is the fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all individuals, while simultaneously working to identify and eliminate barriers that could prevent the full participation of some groups.

Rochester University is diverse in a number of ways. Our students represent different races, ethnicities, genders, religious affiliations, sexual orientations, geographic locations, and unique life experiences. We continue to strive toward creating a place where all students and community members feel welcomed and included.

All students are welcome, whether or not you identify as a Christian! We are a Christian community that creates space for other religions and beliefs through programming and active dialogue in and out of the classroom. Part of our mission as a Christian institution is to work toward creating a more trustworthy world for everyone, and your unique experiences and beliefs are a part of that. We hope that together we grow as a community through better understanding and connection with one another and the beliefs we share.

Below is our theological framework:

We worship a trinitarian God (that is, a God who exists in community as Father, Son, and Spirit; a God who is, in God’s very being, diverse persons in relationship). Thus, a leading measure of the Christian faith is the capacity to live in community with others. Christian community is not experienced as “sameness,” where association is formed around being alike. Instead, God creates humanity – in all our particularity and diversity – in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27; Psalm 139:13-17). Humanity’s diversity is necessary in order to reflect the image of and participate in the nature of (2 Peter 1:3-4) our trinitarian God. This means that all persons are worthy of respect and love, and that Christian community is characterized by unity and love among diverse persons.

In addition, the coming kingdom of God is one in which “rich variety” will be united in God, and humanity will be reconciled fully to God and to each other (Ephesians 3:9-10; Colossians 1:15-20; Revelation 5:9; 7:9). Therefore, Christians are urged on by the love of God to participate in the reconciling mission of God (2 Corinthians 5:14-21) and to be people who seek to bring God’s kingdom “on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Though we embrace the beauty of particularity (1 Corinthians 12:4-26), we do not distinguish between persons based on that particularity (Joel 2:28-29; Galatians 3:28). Rather, we welcome one another as Christ has welcomed us (Romans 15:7; see also Exodus 22:21; Deuteronomy 10:19; Leviticus 19:34; Hebrews 13:2).

Therefore, we believe that diversity is a gift to be sought and encouraged, because a community in which diverse persons can live, love, and work together reflects the nature of our trinitarian God and anticipates the fullness of reconciliation in the kingdom of God. Though our efforts toward being welcoming are always partial and insufficient, as we come to know God more fully, we seek to reflect more fully the love of God that never ends (1 Corinthians 13:8-12) as part of our ongoing process of being saved (1 Corinthians 1:18; 15:2).

Diversity is important because it is critical to the story we envision at Rochester University. The mission of our institution is to prepare students for professional and personal success as they serve in God’s world. To us, this mission means preparing students to learn and think critically about themselves and our world so that they are able to leave us with an understanding of their unique calling and vocation in partnering with God, creating a more trustworthy world for all. That last part is critical – everyone has an important story and an important role to play in working toward a world that is better for each of us, collectively. We cannot do that without investing in the unique experiences and diverse cultures, views, and perspectives of our fellow citizens. At Rochester University, we share everyone’s stories and experiences in and out of the classroom, because we know it is critical for our community, for our world, and for our future.

All members of the Rochester University Community are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not infringe upon the rights of others. Such conduct is considered detrimental to the well-being of our community.

Faculty, staff, and third-parties should report a potential violation of the University’s policy prohibiting discrimination, harassment, and retaliation (not based on sex or gender) in a timely manner to the Director of Human Resources, Ginny May at gmay@rochesteru.edu.

Students and prospective students should report a potential violation of the University’s policy prohibiting discrimination, harassment, and retaliation (not based on sex or gender) to the Dean of Students, Dr. Sharia Hays at shays@rochesteru.edu.

All members of the campus community and third-parties should report any forms of sex/gender harassment, discrimination, and misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Sharia Hays at shays@rochesteru.edu. Examples of such misconduct can include acts of sexual violence, sexual harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

Faculty and staff needing work-related accommodations would contact the Director of Human Resources, Ginny May at gmay@rochesteru.edu. Students seeking accommodations need to contact the Accommodations Officer at accommodations@rochesteru.edu.

For further information, please review the Employee Handbook or Student Handbook.

Rochester University views diversity as a critical component of our curricular and co-curricular experiences. One way we assess that we are accomplishing diversity and inclusion initiatives is through our EPIC Institutional Learning Goals (Exploring • Calling • Cultural • Literacy). Additionally, we are investing in co-curricular and social programming that highlights diversity at many different levels, allowing students to engage in discussions about the uniquenesses that are important to our personal narratives. In Fall of 2018 we centralized our programming through the Diversity Committee. The Diversity Committee spent a year working with our Campus Culture Action Team to provide a comprehensive approach to our diversity and inclusion initiatives.

We want everyone to be involved in our diversity and inclusion programming and initiatives because we want everyone to have an opportunity for their voice to be heard. Contact the Diversity Committee Chair, Dr. Sharia Hays and Director of Intercultural & Spiritual Life, Evan Green to learn more about on-going initiatives and on-campus opportunities. Also, explore our Diversity webpage for more information and to connect with campus partners.

• Women of Tomorrow Partnership
• Detroit Promise
• Visits with students and high school counselors in diverse schools within Southeast Michigan
• Scholarship opportunities for racially and ethnically diverse students

• White: 70.87%
• Black: 18.74%
• Non-white: 8.66%
• Unknown: 1.73%

• White: 92.5%
• Black: 5%
• Non-White: 2.5%

While the number fluctuates from year to year and cohort to cohort, Rochester University has about 60% females and 40% males on campus.

• Oakland County Community Profile
• Rochester Hills Community Profile