Linkages Mentor Program
A formal peer mentoring initiative designed to support the retention of underrepresented students.
Student Diversity & Inclusion Services
Student Diversity and Inclusion Services (SDIS) promotes diversity and social justice awareness for all students through personal interactions, leadership and training opportunities, and various sponsored and co-sponsored educational programs. We aim to ensure the retention and graduation rates of students of color (i.e., Asian/Pacific-Islander, Hispanic/Latino/a or Chicano/a, African American, and Native American/American Indian) are equitable, and to maintain an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
SDIS exists to enhance the campus climate and holds deep commitment in developing and sustaining a diverse campus community in the broadest sense including differences in gender, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin, and physical ability, through programs and initiatives aimed at St. Thomas students. Our work is based on four pillars: education, leadership, advocacy, and community.
Education, Leadership, Advocacy and Community are the hallmarks of the SDIS Office. Our vision and approach are designed to uplift the stories and experiences of students of color in our work using a cultural wealth model and support the self-examination of many identities.
We encourage learning and development of the experiences of our students through examination and practice across those identities such as race, ethnicity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, and ability in their engagement in our signature programs, and collaborating with the DEI efforts of the St. Thomas community who support those students.
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Our values
- Engage in practices of care and compassion in the individual and community needs of our students.
- To dismantle structural inequalities and challenge the framework of white supremacy
- To continue to grow our work to meet the needs of a diverse student population and celebrate their impact and legacy on the University of St. Thomas community
- To create a more just, brave, and equitable environment to empower students
- Education and the practice of social justice and activism are central commitments of our initiatives to connect with the goals of advancing and promoting the Common Good at the university.
Programs and Scholarships
Learn more about Linkages Mentor Program
REAL Program
REAL is our selective, five-week academic and co-curricular orientation program for students.
Dease Scholarship Program
These full-tuition scholarships are awarded to students who commit to academic excellence.
Good Trouble Legacy Scholarship
A scholarship that recognizes DEI efforts and accomplishments of our undergraduate students.
Events Series and Programs
Student Diversity and Inclusion Services sponsors programs that are designed to increase awareness of diversity and social justice. Programs may include speakers, educational programs, retreats and social opportunities.
Heritage & History Month Celebrations
One such series is our Heritage & History Month programs, which encourage students from all backgrounds to learn more about the diverse and multicultural mosaic upon which our communities are built.
Movies That Matter
The Movies That Matter Series highlights films that explore the history, identities, and stories of diverse communities. It unites us through the use of visual storytelling to think about our own identities and values. We hope that students come willing to learn and leave with a deeper appreciation of the diversity in our world.
BIPOC Gathering Circle
BIPOC gathering circle is an opportunity for Black, Indigenous, students of color at St. Thomas to come together to share cultural and racial experiences with each other.
Gathering circles allow people to share in healing, benefiting from the collective energy of the group, while supporting everyone to grow and strengthen themselves.
Heritage & History Month Celebration Calendar
| Community | Month |
|---|---|
Latine Heritage Month |
September 15 - October 15 |
LGBTQIA+ History Month |
October |
National Native American Heritage Month |
November |
Black History Month |
February |
Women’s History Month |
March |
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month |
April - May |
| Pride Month | June |
Additional Programming
Diversity Activities Board
The Diversity Activities Board (DAB) is a student programming board advised by Student Diversity and Inclusion Services. DAB programming emphasizes education, enrichment and engagement on social justice and inclusion through lectures, music, workshops, community building, cultural celebrations, and various other social justice events.
Holistic programming to empower LGBTQIA+ students
Qmmunity
The Qmmunity program funded by donors, serves students with annual events to honor history and celebrate LGBTQIA+, BIPOC and cultural icons, with an annual Lavender graduation, networking, student success resources, outings into the community and more. Student Diversity and Inclusion Services also has a Qmmunity space for students to go and be themselves and find a warm and welcoming place to build community.
Meet Our Staff
Cardina Esparza
(She/Her/Ella)
Director
Nayely Becerra Castillo
(She/Her/Hers)
Assistant Director of Retention and Student Success
Yeng Her
(They/Them/Their)
Assistant Director of Engagement and Education
Peggy Jerabek
(She/Her/Hers)
Coordinator III
ASC 230
Visit the Intercultural Center
The Intercultural Center is a space where we can engage in building a deep intercultural understanding of one another within our campus community. This space actively engages across differences, collaborates with others, and provides learning opportunities to explore ways to be more intercultural competent.
The Center aims to engage our campus community in the complexities of the world and inspires to be a place where students will feel validated, safe, and supported.