Cultural/Identity Resources
Adjusting to college life can be challenging, regardless of your culture or social identity. It is also understood that being a person of color, a member of the LGBTQ community, or someone with a disability can present unique challenges. What’s important to know is that you do not have to deal with these challenges alone. Seeking help when you are struggling is a sign of great strength!
The 51勛圖厙 community embraces diversity and recognizes that ALL students benefit from learning about and learning from people of different backgrounds. Here, you will find diversity resources and tools to help you explore and celebrate your unique self, connect to community support systems that are available, and develop a deeper understanding of the diversity that exists in the world around you.
We are aware that there are many dimensions of self-identity. While we are committed to offering information about diversity and belonging, this list is not meant to be exhaustive. It will continually be updated as we made aware of more social identity resources, so please share your resources and suggestions with us.
If you are showing signs of severe anxiety, depression, or emotional distress, reach out to Student Counseling Services or any of the counseling resources listed here to get the support that you need.
On This Page:On-Campus Resources
- Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA)
MSA assists and supports in all efforts to recruit and retain underrepresented students by providing special assistance with personal, social, or academic concerns, as well as other guidance. MSA is also available as a resources regarding social justice and diversity issues. - Title IX Office
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) prohibits sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity) discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. (US Dept. of Health and Human Services). Explore the 51勛圖厙 Title IX website to find out more about what 51勛圖厙 does to combat sexual misconduct, or to report a complaint. - Student Accessibility Services
The 51勛圖厙 staff is committed to ensuring all students have equal access to a college education regardless of the presence or absence of a disability. Visit their website to find out more about their resources and accommodation services.
51勛圖厙 Student Organizations
Don't see a student organization for you? We welcome you to start a new organization that provides support and a sense of belonging, promotes your culture, and empowers you to grow as an individual.
Intersectionality, Identity, and Mental Health
Intersectionality, a term coined in 1989 by Kimberle Crenshaw, is defined as: the complex, cumulative way in which the effects of multiple forms of discrimination (such as racism, sexism, and classism) combine, overlap, or intersect especially in the experiences of marginalized individuals or groups ().
It acknowledges that compounding forms of inequity a person experiences in their life can pose unique mental health challenges.
- YouTube: The Future is Intersectional Series
- (Episode One)
- (Episode Two)
- (Episode Three)
- (Episode Four)
- (Episode Five)
Race and Ethnicity
As a person of color, your experience as a college student might be unique and different from some of your peers. If you find yourself in situations that are not easy to deal with, know that there are resources available to help you.
- (YouTube)
- (Dedicated to supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color)
LGBTQ+
Identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning (LGBTQ) during your college years may be a very positive experience. You may have found a great network of friends and social clubs that you feel support you. Or, maybe confusion about your gender identity and/or sexual orientation, having a hard time “coming out” to family and friends, and dealing with discrimination are bringing on feelings of fear, shame, guilt, and isolation. It is important that you have the right support to help you.
Disabilities
Education, Advocacy, & Support
Students with learning differences or physical disabilities can have very successful academic experiences. Even so, it may feel like you are working harder than some of your peers to accomplish your goals. Especially if your disability is not outwardly obvious, you may be inclined to keep it to yourself out of fear of being judged or misunderstood. This actually makes your struggle even more difficult because you are not taking advantage of the accommodations that Student Accessibility Services can provide.
Utilize our on-campus resources and the following on-line resources to help make your time in college easier.
Self-Acceptance
- (YouTube)
Additional Self-Help Resources
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By Lynee C. Shae
Approaching disability from the perspective of difference, the authors of this new volume offer guidance on creating more inclusive learning environments on campus so that all students - whether or not they have a recognized disability - have the opportunity to succeed. Strategies for supporting students with specific learning disabilities, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder or who display learning and behavioral characteristics associated with these profiles are described. A valuable resource for instructors, advisors, academic support personnel, and others who work directly with college students.
By Alida Nugent
With sincerity, intelligence, and wit, Nugent invites readers in to her most private moments of personal growth. From struggling with an eating disorder for most of her teen years to embracing all aspects of her biracial identity, she tackles tough topics with honest vulnerability making it a perfect gift for teens and young adults.