As stated in one of seven institutional ideals, CIIS strives to "promote a dialogue of difference, and develop curriculum and pedagogy which reflect a commitment to the diversity of the world's cultures and spiritual traditions while seeking their holistic integration." CIIS views social and cultural diversity as inextricably connected to the excellence of our educational offerings. By gathering exceptional students and faculty from a wide range of cultural, ethnic, economic, educational, and geographic backgrounds, the Institute strongly believes that the learning experience is enhanced for all its members as well as for the larger communities it serves.

Student Demographics

Fall 2007:
• 75 percent are women
• 20 percent are students of color

• 9 percent are international
students
• Students came from 33 states and
15 countries
• ages range from 20 to over 65, with 39 percent age 26-30

Faculty Demographics

50% Full-time women faculty
15.7% Faculty of Color

Students from the Drama Therapy program perform a scene from Theatre for Change, a consciousness-raising theatrical performance about diversity, May 2004.

Diversity Action Team

The Diversity Action Team (DAT) is a recommending and advisory body to the President. Its charge is to ensure that CIIS is honoring and promoting diversity in all areas of the Institute including: recruitment and retention of faculty, students and staff; academic and extra-curricular offerings; and student, faculty and staff life. The group is represented by multiple areas of the Institute. Members of DAT are appointed by the President.

Student Groups

The People of Color Group
Comprised of faculty, staff and students at CIIS, the People of Color (POC) group explores and promotes solidarity in the struggle against racism, functions as an intellectual/conceptual support group for the deconstruction of institutional racism, advocates for social change in the CIIS community, and empowers members through the celebration of differences as well as shared experiences.

Queer@CIIS
An advocacy and support group dedicated to making the academic and co-curricular environments more relevant and more inclusive for people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.

International Students

CIIS provides extensive resources for international students through the International Student Advisor, who plays an important role in promoting diversity at the Institute. Please see the International Students web page for more information.

Scholarship Resources

CIIS Diversity Scholarships
As part of its commitment to social and cultural diversity, CIIS offers several diversity scholarships each year to new graduate students. In order to qualify, a student must either come from a historically under-represented population in American higher education (e.g., African American, first generation American, or first generation college-going student), or have a demonstrated commitment to working on behalf of diversity.  (Download application form.)

In addition to the institutional scholarships that CIIS offers to promote diversity, there are many additional scholarship resources available in support of diversity. Please download this document (PDF) for a listing of some of these resources.

Affirmative Action Statement

Equal Opportunity Employment and Affirmative Action Policy
CIIS is an equal opportunity employer and affirmatively seeks diversity in its workforce. CIIS recruits qualified applicants and advances in employment its employees without regard to race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, cancer-related medical condition, marital status, sex, age, Vietnam-era veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by law.

All staff and faculty are afforded equal opportunity with respect to employment, compensation, benefits, training, transfer, and promotion without discrimination.