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Excellence Through Diversity

Our commitment to every student's success.

As a Catholic, Marianist university, we know that diversity, equity and inclusion are inextricably linked to excellence and enrich our learning environment. In our tight-knit community, every person is welcome.

From roommates and classmates to faculty and peers, UD students find a tight-knit, inclusive community that supports and challenges them to reach their fullest potential.

The University of Dayton is dedicated to improving success for all students as we work together toward greater excellence, and in recent years, UD’s historically underrepresented students have achieved record-level retention, graduation and placement rates. Read more in our Excellence Through Diversity brochure (PDF).

Multi-Ethnic Student Success

  • 84%

    first-year retention rate

  • 75%

    graduation rate, compared to an average of 48% for Ohio public universities and 40% for Ohio public universities.

  • 98%

    success rate

Student Voices

Why UD

We asked multi-ethnic students about their experiences being part of our campus community — and why you should choose UD.

Explore Resources for Multi-Ethnic Students
Spring Admission Events
Diverse Discussions
Diverse Discussions

April 16, 2024 | 7 - 8 p.m. EDT

Join current UD students in a virtual discussion about diverse ideas, culture, and current events, and learn how UD recognizes and supports students of all backgrounds.

Register in your Admission Account
MEC students
Multi-Ethnic Student Overnight

April 20 - 21, 2024

Experience life as a Flyer! This overnight experience is co-hosted by the Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center (MEC). Admitted multi-ethnic students have the opportunity to meet other admitted students; meet current students, faculty and staff; learn more about support structures on campus to help you succeed; and learn why you belong here on our diverse and welcoming campus. Charter bus transportation will be available from Chicago, Indianapolis, Cleveland and Columbus. 

Register in your Admission Account

Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center

For more than 50 years, UD’s Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center (MEC) has served as a resource for the entire campus community, cultivating and supporting our diverse community of scholars.

Explore MEC

MECPrO

MEC offers MEC Pre-Orientation (MECPrO), a free program for incoming first-year underrepresented students and families.

Learn about MECPrO

PEERS Mentor Program

First-year multi-ethnic students can participate in the PEERS Mentor Program, which helps equip and empower students to successfully navigate the college experience.

Learn about PEERS

Perspectives

UD chapel

Why Diversity Matters

President Spina reaffirms that diversity at all levels enriches our University learning environment, expands our institutional intelligence and aligns with our mission of building community and working for justice for all people.

Read More
students on porch in neighborhood

Nationally Recognized

INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine named the University a Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award winner for the third time in recognition of its outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Read More
Commencement

Deep Commitment

Learn how diversity, equity and inclusion are foundational Catholic principles and about our duty to build up the beauty of human diversity.

Read More
Student Stories

Anatasia Stowers

When Anastasia Stowers thinks about UD, she smiles and says, "UD is such a community... I just can't help but succeed." As vice-president of the Student Government Association, Anastasia is helping build and sustain the welcoming and supportive community that UD is known for.

Student Stories

Anatasia Stowers

When Anastasia Stowers thinks about UD, she smiles and says, "UD is such a community... I just can't help but succeed." As vice-president of the Student Government Association, Anastasia is helping build and sustain the welcoming and supportive community that UD is known for.

Student Stories

Juliano Aquilino

Can we develop better antiviral treatments for the flu? Juliano Aquilino ’23 conducted research to visualize a protein within influenza that could be used to develop next generation antivirals. He began doing research his first year at the University of Dayton, and he credits his faculty mentors for helping develop his research skills. Juliano says they “shaped me into the scholar, the academic, the scientist that I that I am today.”

Student Stories

Juliano Aquilino

Can we develop better antiviral treatments for the flu? Juliano Aquilino ’23 conducted research to visualize a protein within influenza that could be used to develop next generation antivirals. He began doing research his first year at the University of Dayton, and he credits his faculty mentors for helping develop his research skills. Juliano says they “shaped me into the scholar, the academic, the scientist that I that I am today.”

Student Stories

Anna Kopsick

College is more than classes. No matter what major — or majors! — you pursue, at UD, you'll be challenged to open yourself to the world and learn from firsthand experience. And when graduation arrives, you're not entering the real world for the first time. You're already part of it, fully prepared for your career and your future life.

Student Stories

Anna Kopsick

College is more than classes. No matter what major — or majors! — you pursue, at UD, you'll be challenged to open yourself to the world and learn from firsthand experience. And when graduation arrives, you're not entering the real world for the first time. You're already part of it, fully prepared for your career and your future life.

Support Resources

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