Inclusive Excellence
The Department of English at Utah State University is a community of teachers, scholars, and students who work together towards a better understanding of the English language and its manifestation in literature, writing, and culture. Our engagement with stories, texts, and communicative practices from across places, time periods, and discourse communities leads us to value a wide range of perspectives. We believe that engagement with multiple viewpoints through a free and respectful exchange of ideas makes us better thinkers, communicators, problem-solvers, and citizens.
Our classes prepare students to thrive in a technologically and culturally complex world. Students learn how to conduct cultural and historical analysis, collaborate ethically, communicate effectively, formulate well-reasoned conclusions, and create a variety of texts. Students and teachers alike can expect to participate in exciting, thought-provoking conversations in which all parties make evidence-based arguments, listen to the views of others, and test their own assumptions. While such intellectual rigor is challenging at times, it leaves no room for discrimination, intimidation, or harassment.
At the core of Utah State University's land grant mission is a commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion for all members of our statewide campus community.
Inclusive excellence at USU is an ongoing practice to expand access to higher education and outreach programs, support academic success and individual readiness for post-graduation endeavors, facilitate engagement in scholarly activities, encourage respectful dialogue and the exchange of diverse viewpoints, and foster a campus climate conducive to belonging. All practices are anchored in USU’s Principles of Community. With an integrated network of support and partnership across colleges and community members, our collaborative efforts can contribute to a campus culture that values every individual in all academic and community-life aspects.