Defining Key Terms

During early stages of creating the Belonging Campaign, we recognized the need to use common definitions to fully understand key terms and ideas. Language matters. Using a shared understanding of these terms helps us foster connection and belonging. 

Accountability

The act of taking responsibility and ownership of one’s behaviors and actively reflecting and assessing appropriate steps for the future. 

Belonging

Feeling that you are a valued part of a group or network that provides support and respect for your personal autonomy and for who you are as an individual.

Diversity

Describes individual differences that exist among dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, ability, religion, political beliefs, family structure, or body size.

Equity

• An understanding that not everyone starts at the same place.
• Recognizing differences and privileges to meet individual differences in needs.

Inclusion

• Describes the active, intentional, and ongoing engagement with diversity in people, in the curriculum, and in communities (e.g., intellectual, social, cultural) that students may encounter.
• Inclusion demonstrates value and respect for the diverse voices and experiences of a community.

Integration

The process of becoming a part of a whole.

Privilege

Unearned advantages used to one's own benefit or to the detriment of others; often, the groups that benefit from it are unaware of it.

The Six "I's" of Community

(community development is a part of belonging)

1. Introduction

Get to know members of the Loyola community.

2. Interaction

Create opportunities for connection with members of the campus community.

3. Involvement/Engagement

• Devote time and energy to an experience that cares for the whole person.
• Also includes the campus community’s active investment of resources to organize learning opportunities and services.

4. Influence

Consider your responsibility to foster belonging.

5. Investment

Commit yourself to achieve something.

6. Identity

Recognize the diverse identities and roles that community members hold.