NE North Dakota News

As the semester draws to a close, the University of North Dakota (UND) reflects on the core values guiding its institutional mission. According to a letter authored by key faculty and student leaders, the commitment to inclusion and equity remains a fundamental aspect of the university's heritage and its current strategic planning.

Zarrina Azizova, an associate professor, Connor Ferguson, president of the UND Student Body, Anna Marie Kinney, a program coordinator, and Ryan Zerr, an associate vice president, addressed the UND community about this ongoing commitment. They elaborated on the long-standing mission to provide educational opportunities to students, emphasizing the "Opportunities for Success" as a central component of the Equity core value within the LEADS strategic plan.

"Since 1911, when we pioneered correspondence classes to reach those beyond our physical campus, UND has demonstrated that inclusion isn’t just a modern buzzword — it’s our heritage. This longstanding commitment to meeting students where they are and creating pathways to education for those who might otherwise be left behind remains central to our mission and who we are today," stated the letter.

The emphasis on providing support and creating accessible paths to education illustrates the ongoing dedication to equitable opportunities. This includes online courses, professional development, and community outreach. The goal remains to make those involved with UND feel valued and supported in their endeavors.

The letter further stresses the importance of environments that foster a sense of belonging and respect for individual experiences and perspectives. "Access to UND’s educational environments is an essential component to creating opportunities for success," the letter explains. "They will be respected as individuals whose experiences and viewpoints contribute to their education and to the community of learners who make up our campus."

UND has adopted "momentum" as a guiding principle, aiming to move toward a more equitable university. The focus is not only on the pace of progress but also on a deliberate movement towards inclusivity and support.

Finally, the university leaders affirm their dedication to UND’s mission of providing exceptional education enriched by innovative research and meaningful community engagement, promising ongoing advocacy on behalf of students and staff. They explicitly state, "The core value of Equity in UND LEADS is our commitment to being a place where everyone knows they belong and are valued."

For any further questions or comments regarding the UND LEADS Strategic Plan, the community is encouraged to contact the committee leaders or provide feedback through the strategic plan's home page.