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College of Design

Equal Opportunity

The creative energy of the college truly comes to life through our differences, and we are committed to showcasing a variety of design experiences.

At the College of Design, we aspire to a robust design community that enhances the educational experience of all students. Gradually over the past decade, the college has matured into a community with representation across multiple facets.

Representation in the College of Design

The College of Design as a part of NC State — a land grant university — strives to serve all its community members in equal measure and without bias. Throughout its history and in various ways the college and the university have fallen short in making opportunities available for all members of our community (the peoples of North Carolina, those joining us from other states and abroad). We commit ourselves to the changes to provide equal opportunity and equal access to better reflect all people who share this space.

Ancestral Lands Statement

We recognize the many indigenous peoples who have inhabited this land for thousands of years.  The portion of the Piedmont now known as Wake County was an area between the territories of several large native communities, each with unique cultures—the Tuscarora, the Catawba and the Siouan. NC State’s campus is located on land that the Enos, Occaneechis, Shakoris and Sissipahaws once called home. Today, North Carolina’s native population, the descendants of the original inhabitants of this land, include eight sovereign American Indian tribes: the Coharie, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the Haliwa Saponi, the Lumbee, the Meherrin, the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, the Sappony and the Waccamaw Siouan. These nations work to preserve their culture; we are grateful for their many contributions to our community and honor their efforts to shape their own self-determined futures.

Equal Opportunity Mission Statement  

The College of Design community, with the goal of representing all individuals within the design profession, cooperatively created this living document holding ourselves accountable to apply its principles to our practices and procedures such that all of our community members are: 

To be Seen. To be Valued. To be Heard. To be Safe. 

  • We affirm the right of each person to express themselves, their thoughts, and their opinions freely. We encourage open expression within a climate of civility, sensitivity, and mutual respect. 
  • We strive to create a culture where all individuals feel comfortable sharing their authentic selves. 
  • We are intentional in our thoughts and actions towards a more equitable learning and working environment. We strive to increase community knowledge of best practices for an inclusive campus. 
  • We will create opportunities and spaces to help foster success by gathering and sharing resources that are required to support individual goals. 
  • We are committed to creating a community that includes college alumni, students, faculty, staff, and supporters who engage with the college creating a place where all are welcomed to succeed.

Offices Contact Information

General Inquiries

Additional questions, comments, and web-related inquiries can be directed to collegeofdesign@ncsu.edu.