Diversity and Equity

The Diversity and Equity University graduation requirement is specific to CSUSM, and has been incorporated into all undergraduate degree programs as a university graduation requirement beginning Fall 2020.

This new requirement has been in development for several years, as part of the campus’s deep commitment to diversity, inclusion and equity. It was created through a coordinated, robust process that incorporated participation from across the campus community. The requirement includes two courses: one that addresses Diversity and Equity in the U.S. and another that addresses Diversity and Equity in Global Contexts. All courses certified to meet the Diversity and Equity graduation requirement: 

• Address identity intersectionality
• Build core competencies in knowledge, disposition and skills (see competencies below)

CSUSM is proud to demonstrate its commitment to its Mission and Values by ensuring graduates leave campus with knowledge, skills and experiences that provide an understanding of diversity and equity.

Core Competencies 

Diversity & Equity in the U.S. Course Core Competencies

 Knowledge

• Gain knowledge of the historical legacies and contemporary issues of injustice and systems of oppression both regionally and nationally
• Critically examine assumptions about domestic invisible and visible structures of power and privilege

Disposition

• Recognize social locations and intersectional identities
• Cultivate respect, empathy, and compassion for difference

Skills

• Creatively navigate unscripted problems, uncertainty, and conflict through difficult and meaningful communication
• Develop the ability to advocate and be an agent of change for justice and equity
   

Diversity & Equity in Global Contexts Course Core Competencies

 Knowledge

• Gain knowledge of the historical legacies and contemporary issues of injustice and systems of oppression in a global context.
• Critically examine assumptions about global invisible and visible structures of power and privilege

Disposition

• Recognize social location and intersectional identities of persons and/or social groups in countries and/or regions outside of the United States
• Cultivate respect, empathy, and compassion for difference in a global context

Skills

• Creatively navigate unscripted problems, uncertainty and conflict through challenging and meaningful communication in a global context
• Develop the ability to advocate and be an agent of change for global justice and equity
   

 You can find more information about the certification process, as well as the requirements for certification in the Diversity and Equity Graduation Requirement policy.