UIC’s commitment to diversity honored by higher education magazine

The University of Illinois Chicago has been recognized for its diversity efforts with the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine for the seventh year.

UIC is one of 104 schools chosen to be part of Insight Into Diversity’s November issue. The magazine is the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. Every year, the journal spotlights U.S. colleges and universities that show an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion efforts.

The university was honored for its level of achievement and commitment to broadening diversity and inclusion on campus through initiatives, programs and outreach, according to the publication. UIC’s efforts to increase student recruitment, retention and completion — as well as hiring programs to diversify faculty — were noted, said Amalia Pallares, vice chancellor of diversity, equity and engagement at UIC.

“We are delighted to receive the Heed award again, as it means that our longstanding efforts to make the university more inclusive and equitable are visible not only in our UIC community, but at the national level,” Pallares said.

The university is designated by the U.S. Department of Education as an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution and a Hispanic-Serving Institution.

Most recently, UIC was nationally cited by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings in categories measuring economic and ethnic diversity.

UIC is one of only 21 Research 1 HSI institutions in the country. It is recognized as one of the most ethnically rich and culturally diverse campuses in the nation and is a leader in providing access to underrepresented students. Around 80% of undergraduates receive financial assistance.

The latest enrollment numbers show that UIC continues to be one of the most diverse campuses in the country — 42% of freshmen are Hispanic, 21% are Asian and 8% are Black.

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