A Grounded Theory of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs Partnerships for Diversity and Inclusion Aims

This study explored how 18 participants at four institutions formed Academic Affairs and Student Affairs partnerships for diversity initiatives. These participants were also involved in a national Project launched by the Association of American Colleges and Universities in the 1990s. Using grounded theory methods, a conceptual model emerged, the Cycle of Making Lifelong Commitments to Diversity and Inclusion, that identifies and explains three distinct types of partnerships: complementary, coordinated, and pervasive. The findings offer implications for researchers and practitioners regarding partnerships to achieve diversity and inclusion goals.