Building Inclusive Campuses

"In a time of deep opposition to social justice initiatives, Ocampo and Rivera's Building Inclusive Campuses offers an important rebuttal to the backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Articulating the value and criticality of cultivating inclusive environments for adult learning and development in higher education is the persistent push forward that our students, staff, faculty, and academic administrators need to uphold a fundamental covenant we make upon entering the halls of academia. The idea that all are welcome and worthy of regard and understanding shapes not only the educational landscape, but more widely a society, a world, for which we prepare our graduates to live and lead. This book provides the permission structure through theory, praxis, and an evidence base to continue this work, despite this temporary interruption." - Wendi S. Williams, PhD, Owner and Principal, The Well Consultation Services; 2026 President, American Psychological Association

"In Building Inclusive Campuses, editors and thought leaders Ocampo and Rivera provide concrete inclusion strategies that are enhanced by their knowledge of liberation psychology, trauma-informed education, and sustainable development. Every campus leader committed to equity and belonging will benefit from this thoughtful resource." - Thema Bryant, PhD, coauthor of The Antiracism Handbook: Practical Tools to Shift Your Mindset and Uproot Racism in Your Life and Community; Professor, Graduate School of Education and Psychology, Pepperdine University, Los Angeles, CA; 2023 President, American Psychological Association

"A must-read for anyone working in higher education! This timely and impactful book speaks to the evolving landscape of higher education, offering essential insights into the complex challenges faced on campuses today. It provides critical information for advancing inclusion, mental health, and student success, particularly for students of color, at both the structural and systemic levels." - Debra M. Kawahara, PhD, 2025 President, American Psychological Association; Interim Academic Dean, California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant University, San Diego

"This is a timely and important contribution to higher education. What makes this book compelling is the authors' ability to combine passion and practicality. Grounded in a thoughtful, systems-focused lens, it not only illuminates the experiences and needs of students of color but also provides data-informed strategies and actionable tools for educators, administrators, and campus partners. It is an engaging and deeply useful resource for anyone committed to moving beyond good intentions and toward meaningful, responsive, and collaborative support for student success." - Meeta Kumar, PhD, Assistant Vice President for Student Wellness, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

"This book gets at something most campus mental health resources miss—that student well-being isn't just about counseling services; it's about transforming everything from our leadership mindset to what happens inside our classrooms. Ocampo and Rivera don't let institutions off the hook by pathologizing students; instead, they show us how to build campuses where students of color can move from stressed and depressed to genuinely engaged and doing their best work." - Hollie M. Chessman, PhD, Director and Principal Program Officer, American Council on Education

"This text serves as a robust resource for educators committed to creating inclusive, trauma-informed, and healing-centered spaces for students. This book provides extensive evidence to support the need for transformative practices in higher education as well as numerous examples of what these practices could look like on our campuses." - Jayne K. Sommers, PhD, Associate Professor, Educational Leadership, University of St. Thomas, Minneapolis, MN