Three Ways to Intentionally Foster Inclusion on Your College Campus
You’ve heard it all before. Diverse teams that make people feel included are more collaborative and innovative. When individuals feel safe to speak up, they're more likely to share their unique perspectives and dissenting opinions. Research has shown that teams that make people feel included have richer discussions and better business outcomes.
"Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance." – Vernā Myers
Unfortunately, creating an inclusive culture, where people feel safe, respected, and respected, is easier said than done. As an international student from Vietnam, I know exactly what it feels like to struggle to feel like I belong on a college campus. I used to believe that simply having a diverse group of people was enough to foster an inclusive environment, but last year I learned a diverse community is just one step towards a campus where every student feels have the opportunity to thrive.
Diversity Is One Piece of the Puzzle
Denison University has made significant strides in building a diverse community. The campus represents 40 states and 23 countries. Overall the student population is 21% students of color and 16% international students. These statistics reflect important progress, but true inclusion requires going beyond demographic data. My first Women and Gender Studies class opened my eyes to the reality that a true inclusive environment requires deliberate and intentional action.
This fall my class attended Brett Taylor 's “The Future is Non Binary” art exhibit at the Denison museum. This experiential learning opportunity was a pivotal experience for me. The moment I walked into the gallery, I was surrounded by dozens of restroom signs, each uniquely transformed to express different aspects of gender identity. It struck me how such a simple, everyday symbol—the restroom sign—could be reimagined to convey profound messages about inclusion and identity. I'd never really considered the implications of these signs before, but Taylor's work made me see them in a whole new light.
Image credit: Brett Taylor’s “The Future is Non Binary” exhibit at Denison University
Listening to Taylor talk about their work added another layer to the experience. Taylor opened up about their journey as a differently abled, non-binary artist and his desire to create a collaborative project that brings in diverse voices. The whole class was afforded the opportunity to create our own pieces, which was both exciting and introspective. Without any strict guidelines, I was free to express my understanding of gender. The exhibit felt like more than an art display. It was a living, breathing conversation among everyone involved.
Image credit: Brett Taylor’s “The Future is Non Binary” exhibit at Denison University
This experience mirrored what I was learning in my Women’s and Gender Studies class. As part of our coursework, my peers and I were tasked with assessing and improving inclusion on campus. We hosted open forums and in-class discussions to gather insights from students of various backgrounds. Listening to my peers share their experiences, I realized how easily voices can be overlooked, even on a diverse campus.
One classmate spoke about feeling invisible during group projects because her ideas were often dismissed. Another shared how cultural differences made it challenging to connect with others outside his community. These stories resonated with me and my experience. As an international student from Vietnam, I often struggled to express myself in group projects due to language barriers and cultural misunderstandings. I’ve also felt some of my suggestions were overlooked by my peers—not because they lacked merit, but because they were presented differently. These experiences made me feel isolated and less confident. On occasion they also made me less willing to contribute new ideas in the classroom. impacted my confidence and willingness to contribute.
Inclusion Is Intentional
My personal reflection and the sharing from my peers taught me that inclusion requires conscious actions to build environments where everyone feels valued and empowered. It will not happen organically.
Just as Taylor intentionally transformed ordinary symbols to make a statement, we too must take deliberate steps to foster inclusion in our community. It's about more than just representation—it's about creating a culture where each person feels they truly belong and can contribute authentically.
Three Actions to Foster Inclusion on Campus
Inspired by these experiences, I've identified three actionable steps we can take to make our campus more inclusive:
Practice active listening: During Taylor’s exhibit, I realized how powerful it was to have my perspective genuinely considered, and I want to extend that respect to others. Students, faculty, and staff must truly listen when others speak, ensuring they feel heard and respected. In group settings, acknowledge contributions and encourage open dialogue.
Encourage – and invite - diverse perspectives: Just as Taylor's exhibit thrived on diverse contributions, we can tap into ideas that might otherwise go unnoticed. Proactively ask for input from students with different lived experiences. Do not assume that people, especially people that have been historically excluded in any way, will feel comfortable sharing what they think. In class projects, I've started asking quieter teammates for their thoughts. This invitation has led to richer discussions and has made me a more effective critical thinker.
Plan activities that celebrate diversity: Taylor’s exhibit highlighted how powerful intentional actions can be in sparking inclusive conversations. Their work underscores the crucial role of representation in reshaping societal norms. Organize events and discussions that highlight the unique cultural backgrounds and lived experiences of our community members. Whether it's cultural exchange workshops, collaborative art projects like Taylor's exhibit, or open forums, these activities can strengthen our connections and deepen our understanding of one another.
A New Revolution
Fostering a sense of belonging on college campuses is incredibly important to me. By taking deliberate steps—like actively listening to one another, inviting different perspectives, and planning events that celebrate diversity—we can transform our universities into places where everyone feels valued and respected.
Learning how to foster a culture of belonging as a college student not only enriches our campus community but also prepares us for the future. Practicing intentional acts of inclusion early on equips us with the skills to lead more collaborative and innovative teams when we get to the workplace. I invite my fellow students to join me in making inclusion a lived reality on their campus to build a foundation for success both in college and in our future careers. Together, we can celebrate the unique contributions each of us brings to the table and create an environment where everyone is asked to dance.
Jason Tran is a senior Data Analytics major at Denison University. He is passionate about helping organizations create cultures where everyone is able to thrive.
