Diversity

It has always been fundamental to the College's understanding of diversity that this is a complex subject, encompassing myriad ways that humans are different from one another. The College recognizes that there are many kinds of diversity including not only race and ethnicity, but also myriad other ways of bringing together different experiences and viewpoints, among them such matters as the important diversity of political viewpoints, religious beliefs, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation, disabilities, countries of origin, and languages spoken in the home.

Sweet Briar's strategic plan of 1987 affirmed the importance of diversity, and revised its mission statement accordingly. In 1997, at the outset of another strategic planning exercise, the planning committee adopted unanimously "The Natural Bridge Vision Statement" that contained a vision of Sweet Briar as "a diverse community that includes and values many cultures and perspectives." This intention was carried into the strategic plan of 1999, "Building Sweet Briar's Second Century."

In February 2008, the campus and Board of Directors reviewed its progress, and recommitted to this important value, developing goals and action steps to enhance diversity within the faculty, staff, student body, and Board of Directors, which will review progress from all segments of the campus community annually.

Student Organizations

The student body helps promote cultural, religious, political and sexual orientation diversity through the following clubs and organizations:

• Campus Christian Fellowship
• College Republicans
• French Club
• Gay-Straight Alliance
• German Club
• Italian Club
• Nations United
• Newman Club
• Onyx
• Spanish Club
• Sweet Briar Young Democrats
• Sweet Spirits

Cultural Diversity

The College's International Studies Office contributes to Sweet Briar's diversity by bringing international students to campus.

As international study is an integral component of the Sweet Briar Promise, the office also sends existing Sweet Briar students abroad to experience another culture through summer-, year- or semester-long programs.

The International Studies Office directs Sweet Briar's Junior Year in France and Junior Year in Spain programs, but also will assist students in securing other study abroad opportunities around the world.

The office also brings the Sweet Briar community together through various international events, such as the yearly International Banquet.

Religious Diversity

The Chaplain's Office at Sweet Briar College seeks to promote faith, values and spirituality on campus through weekly opportunities for worship, study and community service.

In addition to Christian services, the Chaplain's Office holds a Jewish Shabbat every Friday and maintains a non-denominational prayer room in Memorial Chapel.

The Chaplain's Office also sponsors religious diversity events and initiatives aimed at cultivating the College community's spiritual life. Activities and services, including pastoral counseling, are open to all students, faculty and staff, regardless of religious tradition.

Courses Related to Diversity

Please click here (PDF) for a list of courses offered during the 2007-2008 academic year that are related to diversity.