Abstract
To retain and graduate increasing numbers of underrepresented students, higher education institutions seek to create more inclusive campus climates. Mission statements are viewed as important communications in that effort, including those from offices specifically created to address diversity and inclusion. Such an office’s description of purpose reveals particular values, institutional priorities, and commitments. The purpose of this study was to investigate the values of offices of diversity and inclusion as expressed in their mission statements to understand how colleges and universities are articulating and addressing the needs of marginalized students. Using content analysis, this study examined the diversity office mission statements of Florida members of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and explored how their values varied by institutional classification. An important finding was that of the 77 Florida institutions in the SACSCOC, only 28 (37%) had offices committed to underrepresented students. This finding is contrary to research indicating that such offices play a major role in supporting students and advancing diversity and inclusion. If establishment of an office of diversity and inclusion is considered evidence of the institution’s commitment to diversity, then 49 (63%) of the institutions in this study had no such evidence. This finding also has implications for those concerned with how colleges and universities are meeting their mission, including accrediting bodies such as the SACSCOC. Eighteen themes, or values, emerged from the 28 mission statements. Eight of the values appeared in 10 or more mission statements and were, in order of frequency: 1) diversity/diverse students, 2) cultural and social programs, 3) access to resources, services, and optimal learning environments, 4) cultural awareness/ competence, 5) advocacy, 6) inclusion, 7) recruitment, retention, and graduation of minority and underrepresented students; and 8) support for student academic/ personal development.