Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in IAFS

The International Affairs Program is strongly committed to creating a community that feels inclusive and supportive for people from all backgrounds and identities. Our curriculum is built on global approaches and understandings of the world from multiple perspectives. 

As outlined by the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), we strive towards five goals to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion across campus:

  • Employee skills and development
  • Student achievement outcomes
  • Community building
  • Employee recruitment outcomes
  • Preparing students to participate in a diverse democracy

IAFS Initiatives and Priorities

The International Affairs Program has incorporated these goals into the various initiatives and priorities listed below.

  • IAFS statement on DREAMers and undocumented students and staff: IAFS stands with undocumented students, staff, and their families at CU Boulder. We have DACA and ASSET UndocuAllies among our staff and faculty.
  • LGBTQ+ Safe Zone: IAFS has trained allies among staff and faculty, who are part of the Ally Network on campus.
  • Global Grants Scholarship: Our scholarship initiative supports study abroad and intercultural communication, and our selection criteria emphasize study abroad programs in Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia.
  • Off-Campus Experience (OCE): Our OCE requirement for the IAFS major fosters community engagement, service, and citizenship in the local CU Boulder community and the world. 
  • IAFS Mentorship Program: Our mentorship program connects our students with alumni mentors with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
  • Inclusive Cluster Hiring Proposal, Social Sciences: Racial equality touches on many aspects of social sciences (and other divisions). This proposal focused on racial equality as a sociological phenomenon as well as a political objective and had united support in the division, across departments and disciplines.
  • Partnership with Disability Services: We work closely with Disability Services on accommodations for students and training for faculty.
  • IAFS Inclusive Excellence: In 2016, the faculty, students, and staff of the International Affairs Program created the IAFS Inclusive Excellence document, based on meetings and surveys. This document outlined the program's shared values in our community and in the classroom, including our work with global issues of justice and representation. You can read the IAFS Inclusive Excellence document here.

Additional CU Boulder DEI Resources