ABSTRACT
An essential first step in the diversity audit is to reach consensus on the meanings of diversity and inclusion within the specific context of the university or college environment. This chapter presents an overview of some of the prevailing definitions that have arisen in higher education as well as possible caveats that accompany these interpretations. It introduces prominent holistic models for integrating diversity and inclusion across the multidimensional campus landscape. The most widely adopted, holistic frameworks are IE, Daryl Smith’s integrative model, the multi-contextual model of diversity learning environments, and the culturally engaging campus environments model. All four frameworks offer a systems perspective and seek to evaluate the integration of diversity processes and programs in support of educational outcomes. The diversity framework developed by Daryl Smith is one of the earliest and most widely adapted paradigms for understanding the interrelationships among key diversity dimensions of campus life.
