Diversity, Community & Inclusion

At Converse we are committed to fostering diversity and celebrating differences, educating the community of the benefits of diversity, promoting equality, eliminating discrimination and advancing equal access to all opportunities. Converse offers cultural development opportunities grounded in social justice and inclusiveness for students, faculty, staff and community through a variety of programming and involvement. Through this, we strive to create a safe and supportive campus environment that encourages achievement and success for all.

On-Campus Organizations

Black Student Union Club (BSU) – The Black Student Union Club (BSU) is a student organization that gives African Americans a voice on a predominantly white campus of what it’s like to be black. It is an organization that cultivates community, belonging and affirms black culture. It’s a family.

Hispanic Awareness Association HAA – HAA is a student organization that promotes the recognition and involvement of Hispanic-Latinx students. The organization serves as a place to connect with other Hispanic-Latinx students at Converse as well as the Spartanburg community. The organization represents a place of unity and family.

Allies – Allies is a student organization for individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ and allies. The organization strives to create a safe, loving, and supportive environment LGBTQIA+ and their allies. They do this through cultivating diversity, encouraging acceptance, raising awareness, and creating a sense of community and belonging.

Diversity Advisory Committee –  In support of the college’s Diversity Strategic Plan, the Office of Community and Inclusion leads the college in creating and sustaining an inclusive learning, living , and work environment where all can feel that they are welcomed, valued and supported.  We do this through DAC, which is made of representatives of a cross-section of students, faculty and staff. This committee is lead by the Director of Community and Inclusion and reports directly to the President.

Bias Support

Converse University values and celebrates the diverse backgrounds, cultures, experiences and perspectives of our community members. By encouraging and celebrating these differences, we create an environment that promotes freedom of thought and academic excellence. Converse denounces bias-related conduct as a violation of the University Honor Code.

Bias-related incidents, including slurs based on racial or ethnic identity, faith tradition, gender expression/identity, sexual orientation, ability and others create a hostile educational, living and working environment and such acts are not tolerated in our academic community.

LGBTQIA+ and Identities

Gender changes are made upon request by the student. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion will change the student’s preferred name and/or title (to Mr., Ms., Mrs., or gender-neutral Mx.) upon request by the student. For all students, Enrollment Services will change a student’s given first and last name only with proof of a legally executed change. These changes will alter the student’s information in nearly all University records.

A student’s gender is not shared with anyone external to the university without the student’s permission; it is only shared internally with employees who need the information in order to perform their job duties. Faculty will receive gender, title, and preferred name information on class rolls. For more information, contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.