Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity of thought and lived experience is essential to preparing our students for leadership roles in our global economy and driving meaningful change in the world.
Our Commitment
The E. J. Ourso College of Business is committed to cultivating an inclusive environment that reflects a range of experiences, identities, and perspectives, provides equal access to opportunities, and ensures individuals from all backgrounds feel welcome, respected, and valued.
We believe that diversity of thought and lived experience is essential to preparing our students for leadership roles in our global economy. As a result, we are committed to providing a platform for diverse perspectives and thought leadership from our students, faculty, and staff. We strive to create a generation of intrepid visionaries who go out into the world and impart their experiences to strengthen business and our broader community.
DEI in action
Diversity
We acknowledge and celebrate the differences that emerge when people come together. These differences are reflected in our experiences, identities, and perspectives. They can be expressed in many ways, including gender, race, ethnicity, age, ability, socioeconomic status, country of origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and religion. Recognizing the diversity of our surrounding communities, we continually strive to work towards greater diversity within our college.
Equity
Equity suggests that fair practices and policies are in place to ensure that individuals
of all backgrounds in the college have equal access and opportunity to thrive. To
this end, we are committed to fostering fairness while identifying and addressing
barriers that may affect the ability of individuals to succeed.
Inclusion
Inclusion is vital to leveraging our differences. It means that all members of the college feel welcomed and respected. We dedicate ourselves to continually improving the inclusion of our learning, teaching, and research communities to ensure that every individual is treated as a valued member.
Our Goals
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Take proactive steps to increase the diversity of students, faculty, and staff across the college.
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Support a learning, teaching, and research environment that is inclusive and engaging of all communities within the college.
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Take proactive steps to ensure our students are prepared to succeed in an increasingly diverse and global labor market.
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Engage a diverse group of industry partners at the regional, national, and international levels that will enhance the overall academic experience for our students.
Learn how we will meet these goals in the Ourso Strategic Plan
Our Programs
Pre-Scholars Academy
Broadening access to higher education in business
We are partnering with the LSU Office of Enrollment Management to sponsor students from the Pre-Scholars Academy who have declared an interest in Business. This pre-college bridge program aims to expand access to higher education by supporting first-generation students from Louisiana who have not yet reached their full scholastic potential. Through the Pre-Scholars Academy, students are provided with tools to successfully enroll in and thrive at LSU.
DEI Case Competitions
Building critical thinking skills and creating opportunities to work in diverse teams
We host case competitions where students work in teams to devise and present innovative solutions to organizational challenges related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. These events allow students to develop critical thinking skills that will support them as they enter an increasingly diverse labor market and empower them to address diversity, equity, and inclusion issues in their work.
Student Organizations
National Association of Black Accountants (NABA)
The LSU student chapter of NABA (members pictured left) serves to develop Black business leaders in accounting, finance, and entrepreneurship. NABA offers its student members personal and professional development opportunities through networking, internships, scholarships, and mentorship.
Women in Business
Women in Business (WIB) at LSU fosters students’ professional development, particularly by preparing members for the unique challenges women face in the workplace and connecting them with successful businesswomen in the Baton Rouge community and beyond. WIB creates opportunities for members to connect with prominent women in business and organizations that value empowering women.
Partnerships for progress
Business School Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Collaborative
The E. J. Ourso College of Business is a member of the Business School Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Collaborative, and several members of the Ourso community serve on its board of directors. This group provides a platform for university leaders to discuss best practices and programs to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in business higher education. Learn More about the collaborative.
The PhD Project
LSU partners with the PhD Project, an organization founded in 1994 to diversify the talent pipeline in business schools. The PhD Project supports doctoral students from historically underrepresented groups to increase the number of business professors from these groups. Learn More about the PhD Project.
Brave Conversations
Roundtable Discussions
We host programs to support faculty and staff in their efforts to nurture DEI in their work. Most recently, a panel of Ourso College faculty presented on "Integrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Across Faculty Roles: Teaching, Research, and Service." In this discussion, panelists shared classroom strategies, scholarship that advances knowledge of DEI, and ways faculty can foster DEI through university and community service.
DEI Contacts
Suzette Caleo
Faculty Coordinator - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
scaleo@lsu.edu
Angela Guidry
Coordinator - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
aguidry@lsu.edu