News Release| HEED award; Cal State L.A.

California State University, Los Angeles receives INSIGHT Into Diversity  2013 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award

Los Angeles, CA — California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) has received the 2013 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education.  

As a recipient of the annual HEED Award, a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion, CSULA will be featured among 55 award recipients in the magazine’s November 2013 issue. 

“Cal State L.A. takes pride in its success providing a rich diversity of perspectives to our students.  Our professors are at the top of their fields, and represent the intellectual diversity that challenges students to consider multiple viewpoints as they think through problems and issues,” said CSULA President William A. Covino. 

INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine selected CSULA based on its exemplary diversity and inclusion initiatives, and ability to embrace a broad definition of diversity on campus, including gender, race, ethnicity, military veterans, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBT community.

Cal State L.A.’s diverse student population includes 53.8 percent Hispanic, 16.8 percent Asian American/Pacific Islander, 10.5 percent Caucasian, and 5.1 percent African American students. This year, the University was listed #40 in Diverse: Issues in Higher Education’s “Top 100,” a national ranking of colleges and universities that confer the most bachelor’s degrees to minority students, based on data from the U.S. Department of Education.

Working to foster an inclusive campus environment that challenges all forms of oppression, Cal State L.A.’s Cross Cultural Centers offer a wide variety of programs and services that explore shared and unique experiences, histories, and heritages. Each year, the centers also celebrate cultural influences that have contributed to students’ academic success with special graduation receptions.

To instill cultural awareness in curriculum, Cal State L.A. students are also required to complete two diversity courses that fulfill their general education requirements.

“We hope the HEED award serves as a way to honor those institutions of higher education that recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion as part of their everyday campus culture,” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

Adding to its broad range of critical support services for all students, the university’s Office for Students with Disabilities promotes student independence and achievement by providing educational and disability-related support services, and by ensuring access to academic programs and centers.

Serving those who have served, CSULA’s approximately 600 student military veterans receive comprehensive guidance to help ease the transition from active duty to civilian and student life, and assistance in achieving their education and career goals. The campus has recently expanded its Veterans Affairs Office in both size and by the number of services it offers.

“Our students represent the wonderful range of backgrounds and experiences that make up the greater Los Angeles area. Together, our faculty and students make Cal State L.A. a place where the lively exchange of diverse viewpoints makes true learning possible,” said Covino.

For more information regarding the 2013 HEED award, visit www.insightintodiversity.com.