DePaul University Athletics
DePaul Athletics Attend NCAA's Common Ground Program
4/28/2026 4:38:00 PM | ATHLETICS, DEVELOPING & EQUIPPING FUTURE LEADERS
The NCAA Office of Inclusion hosted its eighth annual Common Ground program from March 3–5 at the NCAA national office in Indianapolis, bringing together a dedicated cohort of student-athletes, coaches, and administrators. Representing a diverse range of 15 faith-based, private, and public universities, nearly 70 participants engaged in three days of intensive educational sessions and intentional dialogue. This premier initiative is built on a vision to create a collegiate athletics model that is safe and welcoming for individuals of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and faith perspectives.
DePaul's participation in this program required the explicit support of university leadership, as each school applied with the permission of their president. By utilizing a team-based model, campus representatives were able to discuss the specific challenges they face while developing personalized action plans to implement upon their return. This collaborative approach provides a support network for ideation, ensuring that the strategies discussed in Indianapolis translate into tangible progress within the Blue Demon community.
The DePaul delegation included a diverse group of representatives: track & field student-athlete Olivia Austin, sports dietitian Hailey Lacy, faculty athletics representative Jocelyn Carter, and athletics chaplain Tom Judge. Together, they participated in sessions focused on breaking down barriers and building empathy through conversations across different perspectives.
Jean Merrill, the NCAA Director of Inclusion, noted that the program continues to focus on the intersection of institution types and individual experiences. She highlighted the courageousness of participants who enter the space with an openness to learning, even when they do not have all the answers. The core objective of Common Ground is not to alter personal values, but rather to establish welcoming and respectful athletics environments for participants of all faith perspectives, gender identities, and sexual orientations.
DePaul's participation in this program required the explicit support of university leadership, as each school applied with the permission of their president. By utilizing a team-based model, campus representatives were able to discuss the specific challenges they face while developing personalized action plans to implement upon their return. This collaborative approach provides a support network for ideation, ensuring that the strategies discussed in Indianapolis translate into tangible progress within the Blue Demon community.
The DePaul delegation included a diverse group of representatives: track & field student-athlete Olivia Austin, sports dietitian Hailey Lacy, faculty athletics representative Jocelyn Carter, and athletics chaplain Tom Judge. Together, they participated in sessions focused on breaking down barriers and building empathy through conversations across different perspectives.
Jean Merrill, the NCAA Director of Inclusion, noted that the program continues to focus on the intersection of institution types and individual experiences. She highlighted the courageousness of participants who enter the space with an openness to learning, even when they do not have all the answers. The core objective of Common Ground is not to alter personal values, but rather to establish welcoming and respectful athletics environments for participants of all faith perspectives, gender identities, and sexual orientations.
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