Linkages Mentor Program
A formal peer mentoring initiative designed to support the retention of first-generation students and students demonstrating significant financial need.
Student Diversity & Inclusion Services
Student Diversity and Inclusion Services (SDIS) promotes understanding, respect, and belonging for all students through personal interactions, leadership opportunities, and educational programs. Rooted in Catholic values of dignity, solidarity, and social justice, our work reflects the ideals outlined in the Principles of Good Practice for Student Affairs at Catholic Colleges and Universities, which guide us in fostering a campus ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ where all students feel valued and supported in their academic and personal journeys.
We aim to promote equitable opportunities and outcomes for all students by creating an inclusive and diverse ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ that reflects God's love for all.
SDIS strengthens the campus ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ by honoring the dignity and lived experiences of each student. We embrace differences in gender, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic background, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin, and ability. Our work reflects a deep commitment to building a just and inclusive ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ where all students are seen and supported.
Our work is centered on four pillars: education, leadership, advocacy, and ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½. Through our signature programs and campus partnerships, we create opportunities for students to engage with and learn from one another in a spirit of respect and mutual understanding. We strive to create spaces where students can engage in meaningful dialogue, learn from diverse perspectives, and grow in their understanding of themselves and others.
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Our values
Our work reflects a Catholic commitment to human dignity, justice, and solidarity — values that shape our efforts to create a welcoming and inclusive campus for all students.
- Care and Compassion – We recognize the dignity and worth of each student and respond to their individual and ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ needs with care and compassion.
- Justice and Solidarity – We commit to promoting social justice and working with marginalized communities to challenge and dismantle structural inequalities.
- Belonging and Inclusion – We strive to create a brave and welcoming environment where all students feel seen, valued, and empowered.
- Dialogue and Understanding – We foster meaningful dialogue and connection across differences, promoting understanding and mutual respect.
- Education for the Common Good – We equip students with the knowledge and skills to advance the common good and become agents of change within their communities and beyond.
Programs and Scholarships
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 qualified 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.
Purple Couch
A weekly gathering where students are invited to engage in authentic encounters and meaningful dialogue. Facilitated by student leaders, Purple Couch cultivates a ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ of belonging through shared stories and diverse perspectives. Rooted in the Catholic tradition of welcoming the stranger and honoring the dignity of every person, Purple Couch fosters cultural learning and mutual respect, helping students grow in understanding and friendship.
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, ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ 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 networking, student success resources, outings into the ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ 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 ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½.
Meet Our Staff
Marlon Blake, Ed.D.
(He/Him/His)
Associate Dean of Students and Director
Nayely Becerra Castillo, MA
(She/Her/Hers)
Associate Director of Retention and Student Success
Brent Farber
He/Him/His
Program Manager 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 ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½. 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 ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ in the complexities of the world and inspires to be a place where students will feel validated, safe, and supported.