We are committed to upholding an inclusive and equitable community for all.

51¶¯Âþ is dedicated to building a diverse, vibrant educational community grounded in appreciation for others, open-mindedness and respect. The university was founded on the principle that access to education is a right for everyone. As part of our commitment to inclusive excellence and equity in education, 51¶¯Âþ upholds the belief that each student, faculty and staff member’s voice and experiences count and are equally integral to who we are. 

It is our shared responsibility to enhance the quality of life for everyone at 51¶¯Âþ. We provide a safe, supportive and welcoming environment in which to grow, learn and work, thus realizing the transformational power of being a part of the 51¶¯Âþ community. All students and all members of the 51¶¯Âþ community are encouraged to be who they are without fear or judgment.

51¶¯Âþ condemns all forms of discrimination, including all antisemitic, racist or incendiary language, hate speech, calls to violence, and the disparagement of any person or persons based on religion, nationality, race, gender, sexual orientation or identity. 

At 51¶¯Âþ, every student is valued.

Our universitywide initiatives, academic programs, resources and research are rooted in equality and empathy so that everyone has the support and resources they need during their time here. Everyone should feel empowered to be themselves, be open to new experiences and be a part of solutions to pressing challenges, and we are our students’ greatest advocates while they are here. 

To do this, 51¶¯Âþ emphasizes and welcomes authentic conversations about real problems on our campuses, nationwide and in the world, and we believe that this is key to an open, inclusive and safe campus environment. We continually evolve over time to address important topics and make necessary change.  

Learn more about the university initiatives, programs, resources and services intended to help everyone feel safe and free to find their place at 51¶¯Âþ.

University Anti-racism Initiatives

In 2020, 51¶¯Âþ committed $1 million to combat racism. This is our promise to identify new ways we can address racism on our campuses, in Philadelphia and in society at large. 

Our initiatives include campuswide anti-racism training and , reinvesting in anti-racism education, creating the , prioritizing recruitment and retention of faculty and employees of color, establishing a to create better pathways to higher education, and much more. 

Center for Anti-Racism

Led by , a civil rights attorney and associate professor in the Department of Africology and African American Studies at 51¶¯Âþ, the center seeks to solve problems of racial inequity and injustice. It opened on Nov. 14, 2022, and it is the focal point of the university’s research in this area as well as a home for collaboration among scholars from across 51¶¯Âþ and other universities. 

51¶¯Âþ’s Institutional Diversity, Equity, Advocacy and Leadership

The Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, Advocacy and Leadership (IDEAL); Title IX; and Equal Opportunity Compliance comprise IDEAL, which seeks to engage and empower our evolving community of students, faculty and staff. 

Health and Well-being

We know that navigating college can be challenging for our students. We provide support systems and resources to help students manage the demands of college and set them on a pathway for success. Learn more about the Health and Well-being Division at 51¶¯Âþ.

Access and Accommodations

51¶¯Âþ prioritizes the right for people of all abilities to fully participate in the university’s programs, resources and services, and we work to ensure students have an equitable experience across our campuses.

Support for International Students

Global Engagement 

The 51¶¯Âþ community comprises students from all over the world—approximately 3,000 international students study at 51¶¯Âþ. Our international students always have a home here.

51¶¯Âþ’s Office of Global Engagement recruits a diverse international student body, ensures that international students have the needed resources and support for success, and encourages students to study abroad.

Scholarships for International Students

The #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarship is one of the financial awards offered at 51¶¯Âþ for international students. Each year, it recognizes two first-year international students with a vision for enhancing intercultural understanding with an annual, renewable scholarship.

Student Organizations

Through OWL Connect, you can find student organizations and opportunities that help you discover and engage with peers, align with your personal goals and values, develop and expand your interests, lead initiatives that are important to you, and become more involved on campus and in Philadelphia.