Our Diversity Commitments Christ-Centered Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Community
You Belong. Your Story Matters.
Our Commitment and Foundation
Diversity Matters
Christ holds first place in the educational mission of our college both as an academic institution and as a residential community. The specific expectations of college members in response to Christ’s preeminence are enumerated in the Community Life Statement. “Diversity Matters at Westmont” describes how we live out these expectations as we strive to love one another as Christ has first loved us. Learn More
WHY MICAH 6:8?
Diversity is Biblical.We believe that the call to be a diverse community is rooted in scripture and evident in God's creation. There was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the lamb. God saw all that he had made and it was very good. | Diversity is Communal.We believe that diversity can only be expressed in community where we are sharing our distinct gifts, experiences and perspectives. There are different kinds of gifts...The body is a unit, though it is made of many parts...if one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it... | Diversity is Practical.We believe that we most effectively contribute to and benefit from a globalized society by learning skills that allow us to work, worship and live well and wisely in our world. A body is made up of many parts, and each of them has its own use. That's how it is with us. There are many of us, but we each are part of the body of Christ, as well as part of one another. |
We believe that the call to be a diverse community is rooted in scripture and evident in God's creation.
By the Numbers
FIRST-GENERATION STUDENTS | 
MULTICULTURAL STUDENTS | 
HISPANIC STUDENTS |
Student Life & Intercultural Experience
Experience a community where your story is seen, valued and celebrated. Through intercultural programs, student organizations and campus-wide events, Westmont creates meaningful opportunities to build friendships, explore identity and engage across cultures. Discover the people, spaces and experiences that help you belong and grow both inside and outside the classroom.
Programs
Intercultural Programs at Westmont bring students together to celebrate culture, build understanding and foster a deeper sense of belonging across campus.
Organizations
Student intercultural organizations at Westmont create vibrant spaces where you can find your people, lead with purpose and make a meaningful impact on campus.
Events
Intercultural events at Westmont spark connection, celebrate global perspectives and invite the campus community into meaningful, shared experiences.
First-Generation Students
First-Generation Students make up 20% of our Westmont community. “First-Generation” refers to students who have not had a parent or guardian graduate from a four year college in the United States. Each year, Westmont hosts a pre-orientation event for first-generation and international students along with Affording Your College Dream.
First-Generation College Student Organization is sponsored under the Center for Student Success, with the Gaede Institute.
Campus Life and Community Engagement
Campus Life and Community Engagement at Westmont cultivate a vibrant, Christ-centered community where meaningful relationships, service and shared experiences bring students together.
Chapel, Conversations, and Campus Dialogue
Chapel, conversations and campus dialogue at Westmont create space for thoughtful reflection, honest conversation and a deeper pursuit of truth together.
Residential Life and Belonging Initiatives
Residential Life and belonging initiatives at Westmont foster inclusive living communities where students are known, supported and truly feel at home.
Campus-Wide Events and Partnerships
Campus-wide events and partnerships at Westmont bring the community together through shared experiences that inspire connection, collaboration and lasting impact.
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Academic and College-Wide Initiatives
Academic Initiatives
Curriculum (e.g., Justice, Reconciliation, Diversity GE)▼
Courses rooted in justice, reconciliation and diversity equip students to think critically and engage the world with wisdom and compassion.
Faculty-led research and teaching▼
Faculty scholarship and teaching integrate diverse perspectives, inviting students into deeper inquiry and meaningful discovery.
Global and intercultural learning▼
Global and intercultural learning experiences broaden horizons and prepare students to navigate an increasingly connected world.
College Initiatives
Strategic priorities▼
Strategic priorities guide intentional efforts to cultivate a more inclusive and thriving campus community.
Institutional commitments▼
Institutional commitments reflect Westmont’s ongoing dedication to fostering dignity, belonging and mutual respect.
Long-range diversity goals▼
Long-range diversity goals set a vision for sustained growth, accountability and lasting impact.
Co-Curricular Impact
Leadership development▼
Leadership development opportunities empower students to lead with character, confidence and cultural awareness.
Service and community engagement▼
Service and community engagement connect students to meaningful work that makes a difference locally and globally.
Faculty and Staff Initiatives
- Inclusive hiring practices
- Diversity recruitment strategies
- Faculty/staff training and development
- Mentorship and leadership pathways
- Internal resources (e.g., hiring toolkit, diversity conversations)
Faculty and Staff Leadership
Director of the Carol Houston Center for Justice, Reconciliation and Diversity, Chief Diversity Officer, Professor of Psychology
Admissions and Scholarships
- Diversity-focused recruitment
- First-generation outreach
- Financial aid & scholarship opportunities
- Events: “Affording Your College Dream”
- Community partnerships (schools, churches, orgs) - Guaranteed Admissions
Featured Stories and Voices
Alumna Kailie Grinder ’16, who earned a doctorate in intercultural studies at Fuller Theological Seminary, has returned to campus as Westmont’s intercultural programs (ICP) interim director.
“Class of 2025, remember to be kind, remember to love one another, and remember that you’re going to do great things . . . wherever you go. You’re already one step closer to your dreams and one step ahead because you came to a school where you learned in two languages.”
More than 170 high school students and their families attended Affording Your College Dream, a community event that explores the best ways low-income students can fund a college education.
With more than 23 percent of students identifying as Latino or Hispanic, Westmont has become an Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution.
About 400 new incoming students, including the Grotenhuis Nursing cohort of 24, arrived at Westmont for a week of Orientation in August before starting their first semester at the college.
