Diversity & Inclusion
Different. Together.
Diversity, inclusion and respect are foundational elements within a deeply personal education. Because they represent the right thing to do, and because ignoring the power of diversity defies the purpose of education. 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 world that awaits them. Anything less would be shortsighted.
A Place to Call Home
Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer Jose Villalba explains how his office makes Wake Forest the most equitable, welcoming and comfortable environment it can be.
Welcome, Everyone
- 30%: racial and ethnic diversity in the student population (Fall 2020)
- 55%: increase in ethnic diversity in just the past ten years (Fall 2010 to Fall 2020).
- At least 20: languages spoken
- At least 30: religious traditions represented
- 50: foreign countries represented (Fall 2019)
- 48: U.S. states represented (Fall 2020) → (Hawaii and North Dakota, we’re looking for you.)
The sun shines through “Interfaith Arch,” a public art project by Wake Forest senior Catherine “Cat” Wilson (’08), outside Wait Chapel.
Office of Diversity and Inclusion
The Diversity and Inclusion Leadership team develops and articulates the institutional approach to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. Our campus culture transforms the driving assumptions underlying our policies, the allocation of resources and the synthesis of institutional practices to assure our increasingly diverse population receives equitable treatment.
Intercultural Center
The Intercultural Center is committed to enhancing the experience of domestic and international underrepresented groups by offering co-curricular programming, advising and advocacy that enhances intercultural knowledge, competency and leadership. By promoting a welcoming environment, we strive to uphold the Wake Forest mission of Pro Humanitate.
LGBTQ+ Center
The LGBTQ Center provides support and advocacy to Wake Forest University’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning students, faculty and staff, and education to the entire campus community about issues of gender identity and sexual orientation.
Women’s Center
The Women’s Center strives to create an educational and professional environment that supports women and promotes gender equity. We foster safe spaces to reflect on individual and collective experiences and identities; develop co-curricular programming around women’s and gender issues; and identify and advocate for policies to improve gender climate and inclusive practices.
What’s Next?
At Wake Forest University, we value initiative. We’re excited to offer you this page to point you to what’s next – as a way for you to start planning ahead.
Where to Start
Let’s start with your getting to know us – and our getting to know you. Through application questions and optional personal interviews, we’ll want to know about your talents and accomplishments, your thoughts and ideas, your motivations.
Key Dates to Remember
| WHAT | WHEN |
| Interviews | The option to interview with us is only offered after you have applied. |
| Distinctively Wake | Tuesdays and Thursdays (alternating) |
| Dean’s Corner | Monthly |
| The International Hour | Thursdays |
| Early Decision I | Deadline: November 15 |
| Merit-Based Scholarship | Deadline: November 15 |
| Early Decision II | Deadline: January 1 |
| Regular Decision | Deadline: January 1 |