Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee

A group of students on the rooftop patio with UNC in the background
Our College

Mission Statement

This Committee’s mission is to promote, raise awareness of, and foster diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for the EBS community, including people of different identities, backgrounds, and experiences, toward positive outcomes for all. We focus on providing training and advocating for diverse college groups, including students, faculty, and staff.

To fulfill this mission, the Committee commits to the following actions:

  • Promote a college climate that strengthens a sense of belonging
  • Elevate diverse ideas and voices
  • Offer support and training on DEIB-related topics
  • Collaborate with divisions within the University and the community to meet goals
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee logo

What We Do

Our committee helps the College in many ways, including:

  • Adding diverse ideas and voices into the curriculum
  • Helping students, staff, and faculty understand policies and practices around inclusivity and fairness
  • Offering advice and support on multicultural and equity-related topics
  • Working with departments to meet inclusivity goals for accreditation
  • Partnering with the University and local community to promote inclusion
  • Promoting multicultural understanding across the whole College

Meet the Committee Members

Member Name Committee Title Representing Program Area
Chia-Lin Tsai Co-Chair Department of Applied Statistics and Research Methods
Sue Hyeon Paek Co-Chair School of Psychological Sciences
Aldo Romero Member Cumbres Teacher Preparation Program
Amie Cieminski Member Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
Amy Graefe Member School of Special Education
Christine Kyser Member School of Teacher Education
Kelly Trinch Member Dean’s Office
Robyn Hess Member Associate Dean
Theoklitos Karipidis Member School of Psychological Sciences

 

The Framework

The College of Education and Behavioral Sciences (CEBS) supports an inclusive learning environment where unique and individual differences are understood, respected, appreciated, and recognized as a source of strength. We expect that students, faculty, administrators and staff within CEBS will respect differences and demonstrate diligence in understanding how other peoples’ perspectives, behaviors, and worldviews may be different from their own.

  • Advocacy
  • Culturally Responsive Pedagogy and Curriculum
  • Inclusiveness
  • Recognition of Human Diversity
  • Vigilance About Personal Biases

Featured Member

Featured Faculty, Aldo Romero

Aldo Romero, Ph.D.

Dr. Aldo Romero advances diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at the University of Northern Colorado through leadership, mentorship, and culturally responsive teacher preparation. As a DEIB Committee founder and program director, he expands access and supports diverse communities, helping create inclusive environments where all students can thrive.

Pouring Into Community: Hot Chocolate & Student Voices

The DEIB Committee’s Hot Chocolate & Belonging event brought students together in a warm, welcoming space to reflect on identity, share personal stories, and build community. Through interactive prompts and colorful sticky-note responses, participants expressed pride in who they are and offered ideas for fostering a stronger sense of belonging on campus. The event highlighted the power of small moments—conversation, creativity, and connection—in creating an inclusive environment where every voice matters.
Hot chocolate with whipped cream and sprinkles

Warm mugs, bright sticky notes, and a hallway buzzing with conversation set the scene for UNC’s Hot Chocolate & Belonging event — a simple idea that turned into a vibrant snapshot of what community means to students

A group of students decorating hot chocolate cups

Students are customizing their cups and choosing toppings at the activity table

Post it notes on the wall of question prompts

Students added ideas such as hosting more social events, being open and welcoming, offering support, and showing everyday kindness

Syllabus Statements

Questions? Contact Us!