Mission and Vision

Welcome to the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. We lead the charge in shaping a university culture that recognizes diversity, equity, and inclusion as fundamental pillars of our mission and ongoing pursuit of excellence. Our commitment to educational equity drives us to cultivate a vibrant learning and working environment that embraces and supports every member.

Collaborating closely with stakeholders across the university, we prioritize policy and decision-making that demonstrates awareness of, and responsiveness to, the ways socio-cultural forces related to race, gender, ability, sexuality, and socio-economic status impede or propel students, faculty and staff. Together, we're building a university that reflects the richness of our collective experiences and perspectives.

 

Black Graduation
A National Model for DEI

During this pivotal time in higher education, President Christopher Callahan is guiding University of the Pacific to become a model antiracist university and a national leader on diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education.

Students celebrate HOLI

DEI in Motion

In 2020 the Board of Regents adopted a Policy Statement on Social Justice, signaling their commitment to combat systemic racism, followed by President Callahan's DEI action plan calling for the establishment of a new Vice President for DEI.

President Callahan's DEI Action Plan
Religious Observances at Pacific
Policy Statement on Social Justice
Mary Lomax-Ghirarduzzi

Inaugural Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Mary Lomax-Ghirarduzzi joined Pacific in July 2021 as the inaugural vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion. She is a nationally recognized thought leader and scholar on race, equity, leadership, and diversity in higher education.

VP For DEI Receives National Leadership Award
Board of Regents DEI Priorities

In 2022, the Board of Regents affirmed DEI priorities aligned with Pacific's mission. These priorities are distributed across committees and assigned specific oversight responsibilities.

Students at Commencement
Group of students outside the DUC
Minority-Serving Institution

Pacific is proud to be a minority-serving institution where students traditionally underrepresented in higher education receive the opportunities and resources they need to reach their educational and professional goals.

DEI on our three campuses

Pacific's three campuses foster a vibrant, supportive and welcoming community that celebrates the many definitions of diversity in our student body and community.

CII Students

Stockton

On the Stockton Campus, the Center for Identity and Inclusion (CII) is home to El Centro, Native American Student Services, Black Student Services, Asian, Pacific Islander and Desi Student Services, LGBTQ+ Resource Center and the Lactation Lounge. CII spaces serve as a home away from home for students who live on and off campus.

Benerd College
Center for Identity and Inclusion
Conservatory of Music
School of Engineering and Computer Science
University Libraries
Sacramento Students DEI

Sacramento

The Sacramento Campus Center for Inclusion and Diversity (CID) is a drop-in space located upstairs in the Student Center. The Center is open to all students and is staffed by peer volunteers.

McGeorge School of Law
San Francisco Pride Parade

San Francisco

The San Francisco Campus, home to the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, values inclusiveness in learning, patient care, curricular and co-curricular programming, campus climate, recruitment, admissions, hiring and retention.

Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
DEI Leads

Embedded within each academic and administrative office are faculty and staff members who are responsible for leading DEI work in their unit.

Students at Pacific Friday
LEARN MORE ABOUT
Student Centered DEI

 

The Division of Student Life works hard to ensure all Pacific students flourish and succeed. We pledge to create inclusive living and social spaces and provide thoughtful, informed support and guidance to all students.

Learn More About
Center for Identity and Inclusion

The Center for Identity and Inclusion, located in the McCaffrey Center, is dedicated to delivering impactful educational opportunities that engage all members of the university community, foster intercultural dialogue and promote identity development.

Students in the Center for Identity and Inclusion
DEI Framework Pyramid; equity; pedagogy, people, programs; and funding
DEI Framework of Excellence

University of the Pacific’s DEI Framework of Excellence is an institutional blueprint for DEI in higher education. Designed by Vice President Mary Lomax-Ghirarduzzi, this transformative framework is designed to integrate DEI into all aspects of campus life and operations.

VP for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Mary Lomax-Ghirarduzzi

Dr. Mary J. Lomax-Ghirarduzzi is the inaugural vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer at University of the Pacific. Lomax-Ghirarduzzi has an extraordinary record of DEI leadership and is a leading national voice in higher education on diversity, equity and inclusion issues.

Mary Lomax-Ghirarduzzi
Events Blocks
30 Oct
04:30 pm - 05:30 pm
8 Nov
06:00 pm - 08:00 pm

Meet the Team

As we consider how best to support our Native American students and community members and acknowledge the original inhabitants of this land, Native American and Indigenous Pacificans will guide this critical endeavor.

Our work is to humbly begin to understand what a model land acknowledgement entails, and build a Native American student success and cultural initiative.

This restorative work is more than a land acknowledgment alone and must be handled with care. Should you have any questions, please contact the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at dei@dentaldenture.net.

Commitment to Equity

Pacific is committed to fostering a diverse and respectful campus community. Embracing the richness of our diversity, we celebrate differences and work to create an accessible and inclusive environment across our three campuses.