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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

As part of the core mission of the Center for the Performing and Cinematic Arts, we strive to provide an inclusive educational community that honors the uniqueness of the individual, values diversity of perspective, and affirms the arts as central to society and culture. We pledge not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, religion, veteran status, height, weight, and genetic information.

The Center’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, made up of faculty, staff, students and alumni, leads the center’s efforts in this area with support from the entire community. If you have questions about this work or want to become more involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a committee member.

Some of the specific policies and procedures that have been initiated include the following.

Expansion of Curriculum and Course Content

All faculty (full-time and part-time) are responsible for making sure their course content includes diverse perspectives. Exceptions will only apply in cases where course content is specialized in focus. These diverse perspectives must be explored in meaningful ways; they are not to be covered superficially or added to the course in a tokenistic manner.

Department chairs and/or program directors are responsible for reviewing course syllabi and for working with all department faculty in updating degree program content to ensure consistency in inclusive content.

Department chairs and/or program directors must ensure that faculty have the resources and tools necessary to successfully teach course content that is diverse and inclusive, and that they are able to engage students of all backgrounds and perspectives in the learning process.

DEI Syllabus Statement

All faculty have a responsibility to establish and maintain a learning environment in which all students feel respected for who they are and what they bring to the classroom experience. Faculty are required to place a “Diversity and Inclusion” statement in their syllabus such as the following.

As a CPCA faculty member, I am committed to serving diverse backgrounds and perspectives in this class and I believe that the diversity each individual brings to our time together is a resource, strength and benefit to us all. In this class, I will present materials and activities that are respectful of diversity. As a member of the Temple community, I will not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national origin or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or veteran status. I value your suggestions. Please let me know if there are ways that I may improve the inclusivity of this course for you personally or for other students or student groups.

Reporting a DEI-related Issue or Concern

To ensure that DEI issues are handled expeditiously, the following steps are recommended.

•  Report the issue to the department chair, who will then communicate with senior leadership.
•  Report the issue directly to  (Boyer ombudsperson),  (TFMA ombudsperson) or .
•  Report the issue to any person you feel comfortable speaking with; give that person permission to speak with Bolton, Wager or Dilworth.

We will listen. We will take action.

DEI and Student Feedback Forms (SFFs)

Beginning in spring 2021, all Center for Performing and Cinematic Arts course SFFs will include questions related to DEI. Information gathered from these forms will assist faculty in their teaching and will help the Center for Performing and Cinematic Arts in planning, professional development and resource allocation.

A sample question to be added to the SFFs may include the following.

  • The instructor incorporated materials (e.g., readings, videos) that reflect diverse perspectives in terms of race, gender, culture and/or disability status.