The University of Illinois System Offices recognize, as core to our guiding principles, the responsibility to foster an open and welcoming environment where all members of our community are valued, connected, and able to serve, learn, and grow together. Our work is centered on community and belonging, and we embed these commitments into all aspects of our services – because all of us together make the University of Illinois System altogether extraordinary.
Community
Community is about creating connections, shared purpose, and mutual support. It reflects our commitment to building relationships across differences and ensuring that all employees feel part of something larger than themselves. Strong communities recognize both individuality and interdependence.
Key Elements of Community:
- Building connections across differences of background, identity, and perspective.
- Encouraging collaboration, dialogue, and mutual support.
- Creating opportunities to share knowledge, experiences, and skills for the common good.
- Recognizing that community thrives when everyone has the chance to contribute and be heard.
- Strengthening relationships so that employees feel invested in both their work and one another.
Equity
Equity refers to fair and just practices and policies that ensure all employees can thrive. Unlike equality, which implies treating everyone the same, equity acknowledges and addresses the fact that not everyone starts from the same place due to structural and historical inequalities. Talent is found everywhere, but opportunity is not always evenly distributed. Equity seeks to level the playing field so that everyone has a fair chance.
Key Elements of Equity:
- Addressing structural and systemic barriers that limit potential.
- Paying attention to disparate impacts and unequal access to resources and opportunities.
- Providing what each person needs to succeed, rather than applying one-size-fits-all approaches.
- Recognizing and responding to unique personal experiences and needs.
Inclusion
Inclusion is the practice of ensuring that all members of our community are respected, valued, and able to participate fully. While diversity reflects who is present, inclusion ensures that everyone can contribute their talents, perspectives, and voices in meaningful ways.
Key Elements of Inclusion:
- Valuing the unique contributions of every employee.
- Creating collaborative and respectful spaces where individuals thrive.
- Actively seeking and amplifying underrepresented voices.
- Promoting openness, appreciation, and dialogue across different points of view.
- Recognizing that without inclusion, community and belonging cannot be sustained.
Belonging
A sense of belonging is a basic human need – and it is the ultimate outcome of our community, equity, and inclusion efforts. Belonging goes beyond policy and practice: it is the feeling of being welcomed, safe, and able to bring one’s authentic self to work. It means not just being invited to the table but knowing that your presence and contributions matter.
Key Elements of Belonging:
- Fostering a culture where people feel they can be themselves, be part of a team, and feel valued.
- Recognizing belonging as the outcome of strong community, equity, and inclusion efforts.
- Ensuring employees feel heard, respected, and supported in their work environment.
- Promoting trust, safety, and authenticity so that people feel they truly belong.