Centering Inclusion
We commit to maintain a vibrant community where diverse ideas, voices, and perspectives are shared and respected. We strive to create a culture where every member thrives, feels supported, and can bring their full selves to SC&I.
Inclusive Excellence
The School of Communication and Information (SC&I) is committed to inclusive excellence, fostering a community where diverse experiences, identities, and perspectives are explored through respectful dialogue and meaningful exchange. Grounded in civility, access, and opportunity for all, we create an environment where students, faculty, and staff are supported and empowered to contribute fully. Through this commitment, we cultivate a culture of belonging, inquiry, and impact that prepares members of our community to lead in a complex and evolving world.
Community Engagement
We commit to actively cultivate relationships with our external communities to broaden access and share knowledge. We want our work to help solve societal challenges and meaningfully improve the lives of people, communities, and organizations in New Jersey and beyond.
Continuous Improvement
We commit to support the academic and professional success of our students, faculty, and staff. We offer innovative opportunities for members of the community to utilize communication, information, and media perspectives to competently engage in our diverse and ever-evolving world.
Advancing Inclusive Excellence
The School of Communication and Information supports Rutgers’ vision to provide Opportunity for All. We advance inclusive excellence by embedding our commitments into our research, teaching, and workplace culture and cultivating intentional practices to support a thriving community at SC&I
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We cultivate scholars and academic leaders who engage diverse perspectives and address complex societal challenges.
This looks like:
- Elevating scholarship that examines issues of equity, access, representation, and societal impact across communication, information, and media
- Supporting faculty in integrating inclusive and interdisciplinary perspectives into teaching and research
- Investing in research initiatives, seed funding, and recognition that elevate work focused on pressing societal challenges
- Encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration that brings multiple perspectives and methodologies to complex problems
- Creating forums, speaker series, and intellectual communities that amplify diverse voices and emerging areas of inquiry
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We create an environment where all students are supported, challenged, and prepared to thrive academically, professionally, and personally.
This looks like:
- Designing curricula that integrate diverse perspectives, foster constructive dialogue, and prepare students to engage across difference
- Providing advising, mentoring, and programming that meet the needs of a diverse student population
- Creating opportunities for experiential learning, internships, and career preparation
- Expanding access to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral education through outreach programs and partnerships
- Using data to assess student outcomes and continuously improve access, retention, and success
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We support faculty in their teaching, research, and professional growth, recognizing their central role in advancing the school’s mission.
This looks like:
- Promoting equitable hiring, retention, and advancement practices, including intentional recruitment strategies and expanded networks
- Investing in faculty development, mentoring, and leadership opportunities
- Supporting inclusive pedagogical practices and innovative classroom approaches that enable students’ career readiness
- Providing resources, mentorship, and recognition for research and teaching that engages communities and addresses real-world challenges
- Strengthening evaluation and mentoring practices to support scholarly and teaching excellence and reduce bias in assessment processes
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We foster a workplace where staff feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute meaningfully to the school’s mission.
This looks like:
- Investing in professional development and opportunities for career growth
- Creating a culture of civility, accountability, and mutual respect across roles and functions
- Improving onboarding, mentorship, and community-building practices
- Expanding opportunities for staff engagement to enhance well-being and belonging
- Regularly assessing workplace climate and using data to inform improvements
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We build meaningful partnerships and share knowledge to expand access, strengthen communities, and contribute to positive societal change.
This looks like:
- Partnering with communities and organizations to co-create knowledge and ensure relevance and shared impact
- Expanding efforts to translate research and scholarship for public audiences, policymakers, and practitioners
- Developing outreach programs and community-based initiatives that increase access to education and opportunity
- Supporting faculty and students in community-engaged research, service learning, and applied projects
- Hosting public-facing events that foster dialogue, learning, and civic engagement