Mission and Values
Mission Statement
The Department of Human Development and Family Studies seeks to enhance the quality of life for individuals across the lifespan within their diverse and changing relationships, families, social networks, and communities in varying contexts through:
- Exceptional research and scholarship
- Outstanding teaching and mentoring to prepare the next generation of professionals
- Active community engagement and intervention.
Values Statement
Embedded within our departmental core values of Equity, Integrity, Community, and Intentionality is a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion. We believe that our community and institution are enhanced and strengthened through interactions with and learning from people with diverse lived experiences, who represent all walks of life. We are committed to equally valuing all persons and their experiences in our teaching, research, and service activities. EDI is not just a phrase; each word speaks to distinct values. To allow for shared understanding, thoughtful conversation, and intentional action we provide the following definitions for diversity, equity, and inclusion:
- Equity: Ensuring that everyone has opportunities to succeed by increasing access, resources, and opportunities for all; especially for those who are underrepresented and historically and systemically disadvantaged.
- Diversity: The representation of different and unique identities, characteristics, experiences, and perspectives.
- Inclusion: A welcoming culture in which differences are celebrated and a sense of belonging is fostered. Everyone is valued, respected, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Commitment Against Racism and Discrimination
HDFS is committed to equal opportunity for all persons and will not tolerate any discrimination against or harassment of persons on the basis of factors including but not limited to: race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, political affiliation, genetic information, veteran status, disability, age, background, lifestyle, and/or culture.
Further, we acknowledge the effects of racism, racial trauma, and other manifestations of hate and bigotry that cause significant harm to the individual and collective health and wellbeing, as well as the associated disparities these create and/or perpetuate in access to, utilization, and the quality of education, healthcare, and human services in communities of color and diverse communities. These inequities and the need for cultural humility and cultural competence in education, health, and human services cannot be ignored, and are critical to addressing our teaching, research, and service.
Our EDI commitment extends beyond UNCG HDFS; we are committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice for all on a local, state, national and global scale.
Implementation and Practices
Through intentional actions, we foster equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work as a department, including in the ways that we stand for social justice, advocate for equity, foster inclusion, and carry out our values through teaching, training, research, scholarship, and service.