Diversity Initiative
Diversity at SPEA Enhances the Learning Experience
The School of Public & Environmental Affairs (SPEA) is committed to the development of a faculty, staff and student body of diverse academic, cultural, gender, social, and ethnic backgrounds as part of our strategy for excellence in scholarship, professional service and teaching. SPEA has a diverse student body, including students from more than 28* states and more than 11 foreign countries, including Brazil, China, Costa Rica, India, Japan, Nepal, Pakistan, South Korea, Taiwan, Tibet and Turkey.
SPEA's Diversity Committee was created to create an environment that enhances learning by recognizing the inherent worth of all individuals within the graduate student community. The committee, comprised of graduate students, develops programs and opportunities of exchange that encourage fellowship and the showcasing of various cultures through discussions, film reviews or brown bag lunches. The committee also helps provide organizational support for the campus-wide Neal-Marshall Lecture Series, a forum that brings notable African American leaders to campus during Black History Month. The committee has most recently been charged with developing a proposal for a "Diversity Day" that will focus on the recruitment of students from across the nation from traditionally underrepresented student groups on the Indiana University campus to experience SPEA's academic offerings, world-class faculty and top-flight student community.
SPEA is also a proud member of the PPIA (Public Policy & International Affairs) consortium in an effort to support and further its mission of advancing persons from underrepresented groups via a professional graduate education in the arenas of public policy and international affairs.
SPEA faculty, staff and students understand the value of diversity in all aspects and at all levels of the School and are committed to maintaining a diverse and welcoming place for academic, professional and personal growth and development.