Diversity & Inclusion
Many Trees. One Forest.
Belonging and inclusion are foundational elements within a deeply personal education at Wake Forest University. Our university’s mission and motto are rooted in asking that all Wake Foresters leave the world better than they found it, and we believe that possibility is enhanced when we commit to openly striving for all students to feel like they matter and are respected. Furthermore, open minds absorb new perspectives and experiences, and more readily explore the complex challenges that hone vision and propel potential. Actively seeking common ground and an understanding of our differences prepares students for the diverse and expansive world that awaits them. Anything less would be shortsighted.
You’re among friends.
We are committed to providing a vast network of support services and centers designed both to guide our students throughout their time at Wake Forest and provide outlets of individuality and commonality within a diverse environment rich in perspective, inclusion and open dialogue.
Office of Diversity & Inclusion
The Diversity and Inclusion Leadership supports the University’s mission of creating a more diverse learning community. Developmental and proactive in its approach and reactive to the constant challenges to inclusion and equity in our community and our society, ODI organizes its efforts around offering compelling and representative programming, influencing and enhancing equitable policies, and elevating and informing inclusive practices.
LGBTQ+
The LGBTQ+ Center strives to decrease inequity and increase a sense of belonging for people of all genders and sexualities at Wake Forest. We serve our entire campus community of undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, and alumni through our five focus areas: education, advocacy, support, community building, and personal and professional development. The LGBTQ+ Center offers a number of ongoing programs and educational opportunities, as well as special events, throughout the year, and we maintain a lounge space in the Benson Student Union. All are welcome at the LGBTQ+ Center!
Women’s Center
The Women’s Center supports women at Wake Forest and promotes gender equity. The Center hosts programs and initiatives open to students, faculty, and staff at Wake Forest University. We recognize that all programs are not going to speak to every audience, interest, or challenge, but we hope that everyone can find a way to interact with the Center through at least one of our programs. Come to the Women’s Center to find belonging, learn, grow, and celebrate.
Intercultural Center
The Intercultural Center strives to influence campus culture by cultivating intercultural knowledge, competency and leadership. We are committed to enhancing the experience of domestic and international underrepresented groups by offering co-curricular programming, student support and engagement, identity development initiatives and opportunities for comprehensive learning and development.
Your home away from home
Wake Forest offers signature on-campus educational resources that allow students and faculty to engage with each other and expand their worldviews. All of this work is at the heart of our motto, Pro Humanitate, which seeks to inspire, support, and influence us toward a common good: the flourishing of community.
Welcome, everyone.
- 31%: racial and ethnic diversity in the student population (Fall 2021)
- 63%: increase in ethnic diversity in the past twelve years (Fall 2009 to Fall 2021).
- At least 20 languages spoken
- At least 40 religious traditions represented
- At least 39 foreign countries represented (Fall 2023)
- 50: U.S. states represented (Fall 2023)