Advancing our thriving work together

Dear Faculty and Staff,

In May’s Designing DePaul Progress Report, we shared an update on the formation of the Division of Belonging, Engagement and Mission. As we continue building this work together, we want to provide an update on the recent progress made, important milestones reached and what you can expect in the months ahead.​

When introducing BEAM earlier this year, President Rob emphasized that central to our Catholic and Vincentian mission is strengthening a university culture that affirms dignity, fosters care and belonging and helps each person thrive.

The Thriving Framework, introduced at the beginning of the academic year, reflects DePaul’s commitment to human dignity, student success, dialogue across difference, equitable opportunity and the common good. Designed to help guide decisions and advance these values across our university community, an updated version of the framework is now available reflective of broad community feedback and engagement.

As part of our university-wide efforts, we also launched four cross-functional Thriving Circles to advance collaborative work in key areas: Catholic and Vincentian mission formation, student success, community care and dialogue and staff/faculty belonging and engagement. More recently, the circles began meeting in April and are now developing shared priorities, engagement opportunities and measures of progress.

As we continue to expand BEAM’s efforts across the university, several new thriving initiatives are helping to strengthen engagement and support. The DePaul Belonging Collective connects leaders across employee resource groups, our John T. Richardson Library and Faculty and Staff Councils. The Language Access Committee is focused on strengthening support for multilingual students, families and community members. Our Thriving Centers continue to serve as community spaces where students can explore various cultures and foster a sense of belonging.

Thriving metrics are currently being defined as part of a broader framework for action and accountability, including implementation structures and timelines, ongoing assessment and continuous improvement.

As we prepare for the upcoming academic year, we are developing new avenues for university-wide engagement, programming, dialogue and collaboration. Early this fall, we will provide additional details on how members of the university community can take part in these engagement opportunities.

This work reflects an important belief: thriving is not a single program or office. It is a shared institutional commitment shaped through partnership across the university community and grounded in our collective efforts to support well-being, belonging and student success. We look forward to your participation in this ongoing work.

We invite you to read the Designing DePaul 2026 Progress Report to learn more about BEAM and the Thriving Framework. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact us at thriving@depaul.edu​.

Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to strengthen DePaul as a place where all members of our community can thrive.

In community,

Dania Matos

Senior Vice President

Belonging, Engagement and Mission

Kimberlie Goldsberry

Vice President

Belonging, Engagement and Mission

Mark Laboe

Interim Vice President

Mission and Ministry​