Ever since Ezra Cornell and A. D. White joined forces to "found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study," Cornell has been at the forefront of higher education in embracing diversity and inclusion.

As stated in the university's Core Values, at Cornell “we strive to be a welcoming, caring, and equitable community where students, faculty, and staff with different backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn, innovate, and work in an environment of respect, and feel empowered to engage in any community conversation.”

The School of Continuing Education (SCE) proudly reaffirms the values that underlie the vision of Cornell's founders.

Our mission is to serve as Cornell’s gateway to a lifetime of learning, providing students of all backgrounds with innovative, flexible, and accessible educational opportunities that transform lives, advance careers, and positively impact communities around the world.

We are dedicated to pursuing a welcoming and inclusive environment, a diverse student body, and an open learning environment that is free from bigotry and bias. We do not tolerate prejudice in any form or discrimination on any basis.

What SCE expects from staff

All staff members at Cornell and SCE are expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

What SCE expects from students

All members of the Cornell community are expected to be aware of Cornell University Policy 6.4, "Prohibited Bias, Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual and Related Misconduct." Students are also expected to follow the Student Code of Conduct.

To report incidents of bias, harassment, or discrimination, complete this form or send email to report_bias@cornell.edu. Please see the resources below for additional assistance, support, connection, intervention, reporting, and advocacy.

What SCE is doing

Within the university's Belonging at Cornell diversity framework, SCE is undertaking a number of initiatives to support and encourage full participation by all members of our community. Our focus includes

  • Using metrics (including sense of belonging, fair treatment, net promoter score, turnover rates, and a commitment to diverse candidate pools) from the Belonging at Cornell survey, along with metrics for our students, to identify and develop objectives on which to focus.
  • Ensuring implementation and execution of best practices to improve these metrics.
  • Ongoing review of the School’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, clarifying its charge, and setting measurable goals.
  • Improving communication to SCE students and program participants about protected status discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual assault and violence. For information, see the SCE Standards of Conduct letter from our dean.
  • Preparing all constituents for an interconnected diverse world by promoting efforts to help SCE staff develop a deeper understanding of diversity, inclusion, and cultural complexities through regularly participating in DEI training opportunities and programs, including Inclusive Excellence Network workshops.
  • Incorporating diversity and inclusion as a performance dimension within the performance dialogue and annual review process for SCE staff.

Additional resources