Campus Communities

Diversity is a core value of life at the University of Minnesota. Our campus community is made up of students and staff with different backgrounds, interests, and experiences. Living and learning in a diverse community prepares you for a future in a global society. Here, you’ll be encouraged to think critically, grow intellectually, and challenge the status quo.

How We Define Diversity

In the broadest sense. Our university community is strengthened by our students, staff, professors, and alumni representing different races, economic backgrounds, geographic origins, ages, genders, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, abilities, talents and beliefs, as well as those with disabilities both apparent and non-apparent.

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African and African American Communities

History & Student Groups

The University of Minnesota has its own rich black history, including the Morrill Hall takeover in 1969 and the establishment of the African-American studies department. These events mark the beginning of a strong black student culture that still exists today in student groups like the Black Student Union, Afrocentric departments and courses, and black Greek organizations.

"The Black Student Union (BSU) has been very instrumental to my success on campus. It offered me a smaller community within a larger campus, allowed me the space to build my leadership experience, and supported me in pursuing my goals and passions. But at the core, the BSU is a family for me--a second home." -Amber Jones, former president, BSU

Nationally, there are nine historically black Greek letter organizations (the "Divine Nine"), and the U of M has seven of these: fraternities Omega Psi Phi, Kappa Apha Psi, Alpha Phi Alpha, and Phi Beta Sigma, and sororities Zeta Phi Beta, Delta sigma Theta, and Alpha Kappa Alpha.

Study African American Culture

If you are interested in exploring African American culture, then you can study history, art, literature, and policy as part of your academic experience through the African American and African Studies major or minor.

MCAE Living Learning Community: Huntley House

A community for Black men on campus. Huntley House strives to support the academic, social, and personal endeavors of Black and African American men through community building, leadership, identity exploration, and personal growth to ensure their success during their time here at the University of Minnesota and thereafter.

Huntley House is named in honor of Dr. Horace Huntley, a member of the first African American and African Studies (AA&AS) graduating class in 1970, who went on to earn a Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh and become a Professor of History at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Huntley was one of the leaders in the Morrill Hall Takeover in the spring of 1969, when a small group of African American students occupied the University of Minnesota's administration building.

MCAE Living Learning Community: Charlotte's Home 

A community for Black women on campus. Charlotte’s Home strives to support the academic, social, and personal endeavors of Black women through community building, leadership, identity exploration, and personal growth to ensure their success during their time here at the University of Minnesota and thereafter.

This house is named after Charlotte Crump Poole. Charlotte was a student activist at the University of Minnesota in the 1930s who fought against housing discrimination on campus. She was "reprimanded by the dean of women for calling attention to racism." She later went on to found the Negro Student Council and the Jack and Jill of America Foundation which serves African American children and families. MCAE is proud to offer this LLC in her name and honor her legacy.

MCAE Living Learning Community: The Firsts

A community for first-generation students and students of color. The primary focus of The Firsts is to increase visibility around the first-generation college identity and cultivate community through the shared experiences of navigating academic life at the University of Minnesota. "The Firsts" LLC is intended for students whose parents have not obtained a college education and who are the first in their family to pursue a college degree.

This LLC is designed to promote academic success by providing holistic support and cultivating an encouraging community. The Firsts assists in family and community connections and aids in navigating the worlds of school and home while building honor and visibility among the diverse UMN first- generation community. Finally, students who live in The Firsts LLC gain an extra layer of support in navigating UMN, increased connections to staff, and a support system of first-generation resources and peers.

American Indian Communities

Get Involved

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find great opportunities to meet new people, build relationships with faculty and staff, and connect with the American Indian community on campus.

Participate in events like the American Indian Student Cultural House Fall Feast and Frybread Fridays with the American Indian Cultural Center (AISCC). Explore your interest in a STEM career in the American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES).

Study American Indian Cultures

In the nation's oldest American Indian Studies program with departmental status, you can study indigenous languages (Dakota or Ojibwe), literature, art, philosophy, and socioeconomic issues.

Recent class offerings include "Law, Sovereignty, and Treaty Rights," and "American Indian Oral Traditions," or "American Indian Tribal Governments and Politics."

Circle of Indigenous Nations

The Circle of Indigenous Nations fosters an environment that allows students to feel a sense of community on campus, and contributes to the strengthening and development of all students through culturally specific services and activities.

In addition, the Circle of Indigenous Nations strives to connect the richness of the surrounding American Indian communities with the strengths of the University's research, education and teaching.

MCAE Living Learning Community: American Indian Cultural House

The first program of its kind in the nation. Established in 2003, the American Indian Cultural House (AICH) was founded for first-year students with American Indian heritage or who are interested in learning more about American Indian culture. We aim to provide a supportive community where the academic experiences of students are nurtured and enriched, as well as help in making friends and finding their niche on campus. Participants will have the opportunity to live, study, and participate in curricular activities together in partnership with the Circle of Indigenous Nations. Our residents have the opportunity to reflect on their goals and growth, gain leadership experiences, and support and participate in U of M American Indian student organizations and their programs such as the Annual Fall Round Dance, Spring Powwow, traditional storytelling, and monthly Frybread Fridays.

"My experience in the American Indian Cultural House (AICH) during my first year was wonderful. I really enjoyed having a group of people who I could share experiences with as Natives. I think we were all interested in learning more about ourselves and each other." -Stephanie Zadora, Seneca Nation of New York

MCAE Living Learning Community: The Firsts

A community for first-generation students and students of color. The primary focus of The Firsts is to increase visibility around the first-generation college identity and cultivate community through the shared experiences of navigating academic life at the University of Minnesota. "The Firsts" LLC is intended for students whose parents have not obtained a college education and who are the first in their family to pursue a college degree.

This LLC is designed to promote academic success by providing holistic support and cultivating an encouraging community. The Firsts assists in family and community connections and aids in navigating the worlds of school and home while building honor and visibility among the diverse UMN first- generation community. Finally, students who live in The Firsts LLC gain an extra layer of support in navigating UMN, increased connections to staff, and a support system of first-generation resources and peers.

Asian and Pacific Islander Communities

Get Involved

Founded in 1975, the Asian-American Student Union (ASU) is an affiliate organization to 13 separate student organizations. There are also opportunities to join the Chinese American Student Association, Vietnamese Student Association, and Lao Student Association for new year celebrations with traditional activities and foods, or get involved with the Hmong Minnesota Student Association (HMSA). Help plan ASU's Spring Conference, a popular event featuring a variety of speakers, dancers, poets, musicians, and professors representing many Asian American cultures. Or, enjoy the Indian Student Association's annual Diwali Show in the fall. 

Learn more about all the ways you can get involved in these groups and over 1,000 more!

"The Hmong Minnesota Student Association (HMSA) is a place I can feel comfortable, meet new people, and find myself culturally. As activities co-chair, HMSA has given me the chance to be a leader and have my voice heard... It's just a great place to be and everyone is always welcome." -Ashley Yang, Journalism and Mass Communications (Advertising) and Communication Studies

Study Asian cultures

As a U of M student, you will have the option to study the world's diverse cultures as part of your academic experience. Recent class offerings include "Hmong History Across the Globe," and "Contemporary Perspectives on Asian America."

The U of M offers a minor in Asian American Studies, in which you can explore Asian American history, politics, literatures, and cultures. Students can explore current events, identities, and experiences. Or, in the Asian Languages and Literatures major, you can study languages such as Chinese, Hindi, Hmong, Japanese, Korean, Urdu, and Vietnamese.

MCAE Living Learning Community: Tsev Hmoob

A community for Hmong American students on campus. The Tsev Hmoob, launched in 2011, is designed to provide Hmong American first-year students the opportunity to live in a community intended to promote personal, social, and academic growth on campus. Tsev Hmoob aims to provide a supportive community where the academic experiences of students are nurtured and enriched, as well as help in making friends and finding their niche on campus. Participants will have the opportunity to live, study, participate in curricular activities together.

MCAE Living Learning Community: The Firsts

A community for first-generation students and students of color. The primary focus of The Firsts is to increase visibility around the first-generation college identity and cultivate community through the shared experiences of navigating academic life at the University of Minnesota. "The Firsts" LLC is intended for students whose parents have not obtained a college education and who are the first in their family to pursue a college degree.

This LLC is designed to promote academic success by providing holistic support and cultivating an encouraging community. The Firsts assists in family and community connections and aids in navigating the worlds of school and home while building honor and visibility among the diverse UMN first- generation community. Finally, students who live in The Firsts LLC gain an extra layer of support in navigating UMN, increased connections to staff, and a support system of first-generation resources and peers.

Hispanic, Chicanx, and Latinx Communities

Get Involved

At the U of M, you'll discover many ways to celebrate your culture and share it with others. Get involved in La Raza Student Cultural Center and participate in El Grito Celebration, a celebration of the independence of different countries in Latin America, or Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Live and learn with other students interested in Chicanx/Latinx culture in the CASA SOL Living Learning Community. Tutor and mentor youth in the Twin Cities Latino community through EDUCATE (Engaged Department Undergraduates Challenging Access to Education).

"There are many opportunities on campus to live out and explore Hispanic culture. It may be by going to LISA's salsa night, or attending one of LA RAZA's forums, or mentoring younger Spanish-speaking students in the community." -Gabriel Ramirez-Hernandez, Past President of the Latino International Student Association

Study Chicanx Culture

The U of M Department of Chicano & Latino Studies has a long history of serving students and was the first ever Chicano Studies program in the Upper-Midwest. In Chicano & Latino Studies, you can explore the social, historical, and cultural experiences of the Mexican and Latino populations in the United States. Recent class offerings include "Chicana Studies: La Chicana in Contemporary Society," and "Latino Social Power and Social Movements in the U.S."

MCAE Living Learning Community: Casa Sol 

A community for Latinx students. The goal of the Casa Sol Living Learning Community is to provide a supportive community where the academic experiences of students are nurtured and enriched, as well as help in making friends and finding their niche on campus. Participants have the opportunity to live, study, and participate in curricular activities together. Casa Sol gives you the opportunity to connect with the Latinx community on campus, find academic support, explore leadership opportunities, and, of course, have fun! Casa Sol students participate in cultural events, networking events, workshops, and a community that will make them feel at home at the University! Casa Sol ensures access to academic resources in an environment that understands where you are coming from.

MCAE Living Learning Community: The Firsts

A community for first-generation students and students of color. The primary focus of The Firsts is to increase visibility around the first-generation college identity and cultivate community through the shared experiences of navigating academic life at the University of Minnesota. "The Firsts" LLC is intended for students whose parents have not obtained a college education and who are the first in their family to pursue a college degree.

This LLC is designed to promote academic success by providing holistic support and cultivating an encouraging community. The Firsts assists in family and community connections and aids in navigating the worlds of school and home while building honor and visibility among the diverse UMN first- generation community. Finally, students who live in The Firsts LLC gain an extra layer of support in navigating UMN, increased connections to staff, and a support system of first-generation resources and peers.