Programs and Initiatives

Whether it be celebrating the diversity we have on campus, working to strengthen equitable opportunities, or just building skills and support networks the Division is ensuring WVU is home to all students.

DIVERSITY WEEK

September 16th - 23rd is WVU's annual Diversity Week: A week that promotes the celebration, education and understanding of different identities and experiences present on our campuses.

This week provides the WVU community opportunities to explore different cultures, engage in discussions that bring new perspectives and celebrate the presence of, and contributions made by, people of all identities and experiences.

Diversity Week 2024

FIND US ON CAMPUS

We host a variety of programs throughout the year that you can find us out and about. Pick-me-ups around midterms, lots of dogs when things get stressful and other ways for you to get involved directly. You can find information about our seasonal and ongoing events below.

Your Voice: Day One and Beyond

The Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CCCPS) is an agency under the Division of Student Life.

Learn About the Your Voice Program

'Yappy' Hour

In partnership with Hearts of Gold Therapy Dogs, each month staff from our offices visit different spots on campus so that you can stop by and de-stress with some puppy love.

See When the Therapy Dogs are on Campus

The Kindness Campaign

Each month our staff, ambassadors and volunteers participate in acts of kindness to promote the well-being of our community. Find out where we will be and what we will be doing so you can stop by next time!

The Kindness Campaign Schedule

GRADUATE INITIATIVES

Whether you are finishing this chapter of your story, or starting to write the next... Our programs encourage individual and structural growth while celebrating your accomplishments along the way. Read below about how our Chancellor's Scholars Program is helping students continue their professional education, or how Multicultural Graduation intentionally celebrates the varying cultures and students that have completed their journey at West Virginia University.

Chancellor's Scholars Program

The Chancellor’s Scholars Program (CSP) is a centerpiece of West Virginia University’s efforts to increase the recruitment and retention of doctoral students from underrepresented communities. It is one of the most innovative and successful programs designed to enhance diversity at WVU.

The program is funded by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) who partner with WVU to prepare and engage aspiring scholars for meaningful and gratifying academic experiences at the University. Through this effort, the partners foster a genuine commitment to diversity which establishes and sustains an inclusive influence on the success of the students as they prepare for a future as members of faculty and staff at institutions of higher education and other associated professional communities.

The program has both immediate and long-term objectives:

The principal immediate objective is to increase the number of highly qualified students from underrepresented groups who enroll in doctoral programs at WVU.
The long-term objective is to increase the diversity of faculty members at colleges and universities throughout West Virginia to bring a wider range of experiences and perspectives to teaching and scholarly discussion within the statewide higher education system.

In order to meet these objectives and maximize the benefits for students, WVU, and the state of West Virginia, the CSP provides opportunity and access to populations underrepresented in academia.

Multicultural Graduation

The WVU Multicultural Graduation Celebration ceremony intentionally highlights and honors culture and celebrates the diversity of our graduating classes.

Typically held a few weeks before the May ceremonies, participating graduates receive a cultural stole to wear over their graduation robe during the official commencement ceremonies in May. Graduates are individually recognized for their academic accomplishments.