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Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Excellence

The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Excellence (ODEIE) is committed to cultivating an inclusive and just campus environment where diversity of expression and person are valued and celebrated within the Jesuit tradition. We recognize that the work of diversity, equity and inclusive excellence is the work of all at Regis University. Such work is at the heart of our Jesuit values.

These values guide us in seeking innovative opportunities to collaborate and support Regis students, faculty, and staff in our shared goals of creating and maintaining an atmosphere of inclusive excellence that celebrates our diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives. We will accomplish our mission through educational programming, campus and community partnerships and extensive dialogue.

Diversity Pledge

I pledge to stand up to all forms of hate, bigotry and bullying. I will not stay silent in the face of intolerance based on race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, religion, ability or any other identity. I will work together with my peers to create safer, more inclusive communities for all and will uphold our Jesuit value of honoring the dignity in all individuals.

Student outside talking to one another

Black History Month at Regis University

Join Regis University in celebrating Black History Month from February 1-March 1. Join us as we pay tribute to the generations of Black Americans who struggled to achieve full citizenship in American society and highlight Black voices, Black excellence, and lived experiences in our community.

This year, Regis University’s Black Student Alliance (BSA) will lead our Ranger community through events that celebrate Black art, faith, culture, and business and continue Regis’ work to cultivate a rich and culturally affirming campus.

Three students sit at computers working

Women's History Month at Regis

Join the Women’s and Gender Studies Program this month as we celebrate, study, and honor the work of those advocating for gender equity.

large group of students smile in front of colorful mural

Hispanic-Serving Institution

In April 2023, Regis University earned official designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), a federal distinction shared by just over 10 percent of all colleges and universities in the U.S. HSI designation denotes that a university’s student enrollment is more than 25 percent Hispanic and affirms the commitment to serve, support and celebrate our diverse student body.

a priest speaks before a group of students wearing diversity stoles at the diversity ceremony during commencement

Finding Strength in Our Differences

Our differences thrive in a learning environment characterized by the Jesuit traditions of mutual respect and the pursuit of justice. Respecting our human differences, whether physical or philosophical, is what diversity is about. It is not necessary that we all believe the same thing, but we all must respect others’ beliefs.  Within Jesuit tradition, respect for self and others is critical. A learning and inclusive community that embraces diversity of thoughts and ideas benefits all its members. The discovery and discussion of different viewpoints is what makes a university unique.

The present moment offers a precious opportunity to guide and govern the processes now under way, and to build inclusive societies based on respect for human dignity, tolerance, compassion and mercy. Pope Francis

Recognized for Excellence

Regis University has been recognized for excellence in higher education, receiving a place as one of the nation's 2022-2023 Colleges of Distinction in Equity and Inclusion.

Organizations and Programs

1LEADS

Seeks to promote community awareness for 1st generation students and communities as well as create a welcoming environment for all students to network and create new life experiences. We hope to bring awareness to the community about our cultures to create tolerance in our ever-changing demographic. 

Asian Student Alliance (ASA)

The mission of the ASA is to build relationships among Asian students, increase diversity on campus by sharing a variety of Asian cultures, values and experiences, and promote Asian awareness to the Regis community.

Black Student Alliance

The Black Student Alliance strives to bring diversity to the campus through African, Black-American, and Afro-Caribbean culture. The group seeks to provide a safe and family-oriented group for all of those open to diversity. BSA aims to spread a feeling of inclusion throughout the student body, and in the process break down stereotypes and prejudices.

Queer Student Alliance (QSA)

The Queer Student Alliance is in accordance with Regis University's Jesuit Mission and the principles of social justice by supporting those who are marginalized because of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity, as well as their allies; promoting a safe and inclusive campus environment for all members of the Regis University community; and engaging the Regis University community in dialogue about the complexity of gender and sexuality.

The Social Justice and Diversity Committee

The Social Justice and Diversity Committee provides leadership for RUSGA in the areas of diversity, inclusion and social justice. The Vice President of Social Justice and Diversity works in conjunction with the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Excellence and Student Identity groups to program and host events that strengthen Regis University's commitment to developing and supporting a diverse student community. 

Denver Scholarship Foundation

The Denver Scholarship Foundation provides scholarships that serve as incentives for Denver Public School students to work hard in school and make plans to continue their education past high school graduation. Students work closely with the Associate Director of Diversity & Student Engagement to ensure their success at Regis. For more information, contact DSF's campus liaison or visit the DSF website.

Join a Club or Organization

Regardless of your background, Regis has a variety of Clubs and Organizations providing programming and opportunities to connect with other students, teachers and the community.

LGBTQIA+ Student Resources

Regis University's Northwest Denver campus features all-gender restrooms. See below for exact locations:

Carroll Hall: 3rd floor
Claver: 2nd floor
Coors Life Direction Center: Fitness Center (including shower)
Dayton Memorial Library: one on 1st floor; two on 4th floor
Main Hall: two each on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd floors
Student Center: 1st floor, 2nd floor

  • ONE Colorado:
    Dedicated to advancing equality for LGBTQ Coloradans and their families.
  • The Center on Colfax:
    Gives voice to Colorado’s LGBT community and playing a pivotal role in statewide initiatives to reduce harassment and discrimination.
  • Colorado AntiViolence Program:
    Dedicated to eliminating all forms of violence within and against LGBTQ communities in Colorado.
  • It Takes a Village:
    Reducing health and social disparities among people of color in the Colorado metropolitan area. 
  • Hey Denver
    Provides free sexual health services and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing. Free and confidential STI testing is available six days a week.

Undocumented Student Resources

Dear Regis Community, 

In response to requests from members of our community and consistent with our community values of honoring the sacred dignity of all individuals and defending the marginalized, we present this protocol about responding to informational inquiries about our students. It is especially important that, in this time of uncertainty around federal immigration policies, such as DACA, we understand how to respond to such potential inquiries, should ICE, law enforcement, or other third parties come to campus seeking information about our students. Regis will continue to follow any changes in federal policies related to our DACA/undocumented students, and we will continue to stand in solidarity with our immigrant community.

All faculty and staff at Regis University are required to abide by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which is a federal law that protects the privacy of current and former student education records. In the higher education setting, student education records include any written or recorded information about students, including personally identifiable information, contact information, grades, medical records, student life records, and advising records.

This means that faculty and staff are generally not permitted, by law, to share information with third parties outside of the Regis University community. This prohibition includes communications with members of law enforcement, ICE or FBI agents absent the approval of the office of legal counsel. This includes any requests for student information made by subpoena, warrant, or pursuant to a release executed by a student or credentialed law enforcement asking for information. 

The main point of this protocol is that faculty and staff are not expected to and should not attempt to determine if they can legally release student education records or directory information. Rather, faculty and staff who receive an oral or written request for student information must first obtain the assistance of Campus Safety (x4122), Legal Counsel (x5448) and/or the Office of the Registrar.

Below are some answers to frequently asked questions about how to respond to questions about students:

What should I do if I am approached by members of law enforcement, ICE or FBI agents anywhere on or off campus asking about a student?

  • Greet the officer/agent in a polite and courteous fashion
  • Refer the officer/agent to Campus Safety. Campus Safety can be contacted at 303-458-4122
  • Contact Campus Safety and make them aware of the referral to the office
  • Please do not identify the student or provide any information or details about the student since the Office of the Registrar is specifically responsible for these requests

What if I receive a Subpoena or Order to Appear in Court related to a student?

  • Send the subpoena or order to the Office of Legal Counsel, Mail Code A-20, Main Hall Room 131; jramsel@regis.edu.
  • Contact the Office of Legal Counsel 303-964-5448 and make them aware of the referral to the office.
  • Please do not respond to the subpoena or otherwise appear in court without first communicating and coordinating with the Office of Legal Counsel.

What information may I share with a third party asking for a reference about a student?

  • With a release from the current or former student, you can share information about the student.
  • If asked for information about the student by a third party, ask the third party to provide you with a release signed by the student to discuss the student. Please keep the release and contact the Office of the Registrar at 303-458-4126 for guidance, especially if you don't feel comfortable with the release.
  • To ensure there is not an inadvertent breach of a student's request for directory information confidentiality, no one should volunteer a student's contact information or identify a student on campus to an unknown third party - only the Office of the Registrar should share this information.

What information does FERPA permit me to share about students?

  • Under FERPA, student education records can only be shared with other Regis University officials, including instructors, whom have legitimate educational interest in that information
  • FERPA prohibits any faculty or staff member from providing any information orally that he or she could not provide in writing
  • Absent an emergency or a waiver from the student, Regis faculty members and staff generally may not provide or discuss any student information with anyone who does not work for Regis University - including parents or members of law enforcement
  • As permitted by FERPA, Regis University may disclose to third parties directory information about students which includes, among other things, a student's name, address, email address, phone number, class level, and major/minor field(s) of study. Students may elect to make their directory information confidential by completing this form and submitting it to the Registrar. Any student concerned with their privacy should be encouraged to restrict their directory information
  • To ensure there is not an inadvertent breach of a student's request for directory information confidentiality, no one should volunteer a student's contact information or identity - only the Office of Academic Records may share this information

Again, faculty and staff are not expected to and should not attempt to determine if they can legally release student education records or directory information. Rather, faculty and staff who receive an oral or written request for student information must first obtain the assistance of campus safety, legal counsel, and/or the Office of Registrar, as enumerated above.

Thank you for your dedication and assistance in keeping our students and their information safe.

Sincerely,

Lance Jones, Director of Campus Safety

Nicki Gonzales, Ph.D. Vice Provost, Diversity & Inclusion

Cathy Gorrell Director, Registration & FERPA Officer

Brave Space Training

The Queer Resource Alliance aims to create an inclusive, equitable, and supportive environment for community members of all orientations and gender identities by providing leadership, education, and advocacy related to challenges and issues faced by Regis LGBTQIA+ faculty, staff, and students. Download our PDF on Brave Space Training basics.

It is our belief that people thrive in a learning and working environment characterized by the Jesuit traditions of mutual respect and the pursuit of justice. Consistent with the Jesuit faith-inspired commitment to build an inclusive community that values the dignity and contributions of all of our members. 

Request a Brave Space Training Session

students sitting on quad in front of library

Bias Incident Report Form

If you feel you've witnessed or experienced a biased incident or microaggression at Regis University, you may anonymously report it via our bias incident report form. 

aerial view of Northwest Denver campus
Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Excellence

Location:
Student Center Room 208


Hours: 
Monday-Friday
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.


Contact:
303.964.5301
diverse@regis.edu