Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Across the Curriculum
LAS
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) offers an excellent research-rich undergraduate and graduate education in various disciplines, invigorated by the excitement for learning of faculty and students from diverse economic, racial, ethnic, social, cultural backgrounds, and gender identities.
LAS defines practicing diversity as the commitment to honoring difference, fostering inclusivity, and addressing inequity across and through the curriculum and in the demographic makeup of our student body.
LAS Demographics
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50 % Pell Grant Eligible
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54 % First-Generation Students
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48 % Historically Underrepresented Minorities
Diverse Ways of Knowing, Learning, and Acting
Through a liberal arts and sciences education, our diverse student body thrives intellectually and realizes its power to do good and effect change. Our mission is to provide an education that empowers students and future graduates to excel in tomorrow’s workforce and act for the public good.
The value of a liberal arts and sciences education at UIC is anchored in practicing diversity as an academic pursuit and vehicle for access, inclusion, and enacting positive social change.
Core value
We are committed to providing access to a Research 1 education and being a pathway to self-realization for students of all economic, racial, social, and cultural backgrounds. World-class LAS faculty share their passion for learning and discovery with one of the nation’s most racially and economically diverse student bodies.
Over one-third of the LAS faculty self-identifies as an underrepresented minority, and over sixty percent identify as women. Additionally, nearly fifty percent of our academic advising staff identifies as an underrepresented minority.
Intellectual and social inclusivity
LAS courses and majors foster inquiry, research, and discovery. Students explore real-world challenges and develop the knowledge and skills to find tangible answers to current and future social and scientific questions. Through coursework, experiential opportunities, and community involvement, LAS students learn to gain concrete academic skills and professional competencies, participate in active dialogue, and build alliances conducive to transformative discovery, social change, and personal fulfillment.
An LAS education is the bridge to becoming an engaged citizen and attaining lifelong professional and personal success.
Commitment to our communities, local and global
At LAS practicing diversity translates to critically examining and pursuing a myriad of approaches to complex individual, social, economic, national, and international questions.
The city of Chicago—one of the most diverse urban settings in the world—provides us with a backdrop to envision and test potential solutions to our state’s and nation’s most pressing social, racial, economic, environmental, and health problems.
An LAS education strengthens and motivates our students’ commitment to serving the communities—local and global—where they study, live, work, and that surround them.
Practicing Diversity and Inclusion
LAS Student Support Units
Grow your sense of belonging and develop your future professional identity.
first at las
First-at-LAS is an academic success program for first-generation college students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS).
Our first-gen students are among the first in their families to attend a four-year college or university and comprise 54% of the LAS undergraduate population. We proudly recognize their commitment to higher education and celebrate the many strengths and assets they bring to campus.
The program supports first-gen students’ educational and professional goals with programs and resources that share strategies, develop skills, and build networks that lead to success in LAS and beyond.
Career
A liberal arts education provides many possibilities to explore and apply your career interests while preparing you with crucial competencies strengthened through your major.
As you continue to discover which major is a fit for you, we offer many ways to support you through our self-guided online resources, career and internship advising, and opportunities for academic credit. We also offer major and career exploration workshops, events, and experiential learning programs.
Learn how to explore majors and career paths further by visiting our website and office!