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WelcomeWelcome! We are so glad you are considering the University of Minnesota. I invite you and your family to take a look at the pages below and learn about all that the U of M has to offer students. I hope you will contact our admission staff to talk about your future plans. Better yet, stop by for a personalized campus visit! Sincerely,
Rachelle Hernandez |
How we define diversity
Admissions counselors for multicultural students and communities
Student groups
Undergraduate students by race and ethnicity (student population percentages)
Scholarship support
Office for Equity and Diversity
Disability Services
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Ally Programs Office
Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence
Women's Center
Living Learning Communities
Recent articles and features
Special event: Experience Minnesota
Enrolling an academically qualified, diverse student body is essential to the University of Minnesota's mission. The academic and social environment of our campus is greatly enhanced by diversity, and students are better prepared to thrive in a global society.
We define "diversity" in the broadest sense of the word. Our university community is strengthened by our students representing different races, religions, economic backgrounds, geographic origins, genders, sexualities, and beliefs.
If you would like to contact an admissions counselor who works specifically with multicultural students, our counselors would love to hear from you. These counselors have strong ties to the community and lots of information about our great opportunities and vibrant campus culture.
African-American: Sarah Beraki, Admissions Counselor
American Indian: Brittany Anderson, Admissions Counselor
Asian/Pacific: Kablia Thao, Admissions Counselor
Chicano/Latino: Vincent Ruiz-Ponce, Senior Admissions Counselor
Of the 800-plus student organizations registered with the Student Activities Office, more than 150 have a multicultural focus. For example, groups with a multicultural focus include:
For more information about student groups and campus events, visit Student Unions and Activities.
At the University of Minnesota, you'll experience a close-knit multicultural campus community where you can build lifelong friendships, connect with faculty and staff that are dedicated to your success, and most importantly, have fun! Our campus is full of students and staff with different backgrounds, interests, and experiences.
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Merit-based scholarships awarded by the University of Minnesota are competitive. We encourage students to pursue community and organizational scholarship opportunities in addition to our University-sponsored scholarships. We have compiled a list with a sampling of scholarship opportunities not affiliated with the U of M.
The Office for Equity and Diversity (OED) is responsible for the University of Minnesota's system-wide equity and diversity initiatives and programs, and for infusing the core values of equity and diversity into all aspects of teaching, learning, research, service, and outreach at the University.
Units in the Office for Equity and Diversity include:
Disability Services
Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Ally Programs Office
Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence
Office for Diversity in Graduate Education
Women's Center
To find out more about OED and its services and programs, call 612-624-0594 or visit OED online.
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Disability Services Disability Services is part of the Office for Equity and Diversity. The staff in Disability Services works with you to have access to a wide range of learning opportunities as well as social and cultural experiences at the University. Disability Services offers a variety of accommodations for students, staff and guests. These services are confidential and are designed to remove barriers and provide equal access at the University of Minnesota. To find out how Disability Services may enhance your student experience, visit them online, call them (voice or TTY) at 612-626-1333, or email ds@umn.edu. You might also be interested in this student group: Disability Services also works closely with a student-run organization called the Disabled Student Cultural Center, which seeks to improve the campus climate for people with disabilities and to foster a sense of identity, community and pride among students with disabilities. |
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Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Ally (GLBTA) Programs Office The GLBTA Programs Office is dedicated to improving campus climate for all University of Minnesota students by developing and supporting more inclusive understandings of gender and sexuality. This office is dedicated to building a welcoming environment in which people can be their whole selves and which honor all identities and experiences. This office sponsors awards for individuals whose work improves campus climate, provides academic scholarships, and organizes a special graduation event. For more information, visit the GLBTA Programs Office Web site, call 612-625-0537, or email glbtapo@umn.edu. You might also be interested in this student group: The Queer Student Cultural Center (QSCC) is a student-run organization that celebrates the diversity and culture of the queer community. The QSCC is made up of many various social groups, support groups, and planning committees. It also offers various programming events throughout the entire year. |
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Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence The Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence (MCAE) is part of the Office for Equity and Diversity. MCAE offers a seamless and inclusive learning experience for multicultural students through collaboration with colleges, educational support, community engagement, and cultural experiences. Opportunities include:
To find out how MCAE can enhance your student experience, call 612-624-6386 or visit MCAE online. You might also be interested in these student groups:
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Women's Center A unit of the Office for Equity and Diversity, the Women's Center sponors signature events, resources, awards, and advocacy work are recognized for their excellence and focus on helping women succeed. For more information, visit the Women's Center Online, call 612-625-9837, or email women@umn.edu. You might also be interested in this student group: The Women's Student Activist Collective is a student organization that strives to empower women with events such as the Global Women Film Series, Revolutionary Art Thing and clothing swaps, the "Sex Ed for Everyone" series, and more. |
Living Learning Communities offer eligible students the option to live together in a dedicated area of a University of Minnesota residence hall. These areas are sometimes referred to as a "house" and are specifically designed to deliver a variety of educational, social, and developmental opportunities to students. Some Living Learning Communities academically focused, while other focus on a common cultural experience. To see the complete list of 26 Living Learning Communities, visit the Housing & Residential Life website. Here is a sampling of Living Learning Communities that are related to diversity at the U of M:
- American Indian Cultural House
- The University of Minnesota American Indian Cultural House is a Living Learning Community for first-year students with American Indian heritage, or those interested in learning more about American Indian culture. Created in 2003, it is one of only a few programs of its kind in the nation. The goal of the American Indian Cultural House Living Learning Community is to provide a supportive community where the academic experiences of students will be nurtured and enriched while finding their niche on campus. The house provides opportunities for students to explore their own identity as well as provide opportunities to those students who want to reach beyond their own cultural background and learn about the experiences of others. Participants also have the opportunity to work with various American Indian student organizations on campus and assist them in special events such as pow-wows, traditional storytelling evenings, and bringing special speakers to campus.
- American Sign Language (ASL) House
- ASL House is a Living and Learning Community designed for students interested in American Sign Language and the culture of the deaf and hard of hearing community. Any student may be a resident of the ASL House who has a desire to communicate in American Sign Language, whether Deaf, Deafblind, hard of hearing, or hearing.
The goal of ASL House is to provide opportunities for personal and academic growth in a supportive, sign language rich atmosphere. Students will have the opportunity to explore issues and challenges of self-identity, community identity, culture and advocacy while receiving academic support. During their time in ASL House residents will attend relevant cultural events and activities both on and off campus.
ASL House is a co-ed community located in Comstock Hall and is open to PSEO, undergraduate and graduate students. Residents may be students from any college within the University of Minnesota who demonstrate an interest in being an active member of a Deaf/Hard of hearing-friendly, multicultural living environment.- Casa Sol
- Casa Sol is grounded in Chicana/o and Latino/a histories, cultures and lived experiences. Students will have the opportunity to explore issues of ethnicity, identity and community advocacy, while actively participating in and contributing to campus student life. As a group, students attend various cultural events and activities in the Twin Cities, often with the staff and faculty of the Chicano Studies Department, Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence, and others. Students will have many opportunities to connect with other students at the La Raza Student Cultural Center.
- Lavender House
- Lavender House is open to any and all students who are interested in learning and uncovering the histories and cultures of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and ally communities. In this Living Learning Community - situated within Comstock Hall - students are able to explore and express their whole selves, including their gender identities and sexualities, in a safe and affirming environment. Lavender House students have the opportunity to participate in programs and services offered by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Ally (GLBTA) Programs Office. With the support of the staff and interns at the GLBTA Programs Office, Lavender House students can connect with GLBTA communities at large through attending cultural events and activities on campus and in the Twin Cities. This Living Learning Community is ideal for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, genderqueer, or questioning students, as well as their friends and allies.
- STEM Diversity House - for students of color in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
- The STEM Diversity House is for students of color interested in any areas in STEM fields: science, technology, engineering, and math. The STEM Diversity House for students of color creates a smaller Living Learning environment in which students interested in sciences or engineering can learn from others who have similar academic and career interests. Participants in the STEM Diversity House will find support that will enhance their success in the classroom and in making friends, finding their niche on campus, and exploring their academic, career, and personal interests. Students will be encouraged to participate in the NorthStar STEM Alliance that will support them through financial support, research opportunities, alliance opportunities, service and outreach activities, and study abroad and internships.
- Tsev Hmoob (Hmong House)
- Participants in the Tsev Hmoob Living Learning Community are interested in past and contemporary Hmong issues and intercultural learning. Tsev Hmoob is designed to provide opportunities for personal and academic growth in a supportive community where the academic experiences of students will be nurtured and enriched. Participants will have the opportunity to live and study together and participate in curricular activities. Participants also have the opportunity to work with various Asian American student organizations, especially Hmong Minnesota Student Association (HMSA), Hmong Women Support Group, and Hmong Men Circle on campus and assist them in special events such as the Hmong Heritage.
- Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) House
- WISE house is a Living Learning Community for women who are interested in any area of science and engineering, where they will learn from others (peers, faculty, graduate students, professionals) who have similar academic and career interests. WISE provides various social activities such as lab tours, dinners with faculty, and study groups.
Crossing Borders: Acclaimed singer Lila Downs grew up in Minnesota and Mexico, giving her a cultural identity that once made her a stranger in both places. Today, that mixed background infuses and animates the University of Minnesota alumna's electrifying music.
A tradition is born: At Huntley House, black male students find companions and support
Sponsored by the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Office of Admissions, the Office for Equity and Diversity, and the Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence, we are pleased to host an annual event--Experience Minnesota: An Open House for Multicultural Students.
During the Experience Minnesota event--held in the fall each year--families will get information about our outstanding academic opportunities, multicultural organizations, financial aid, meet top faculty and current students, and tour campus. In years past, the event has featured Goldy Gopher, a Voices Merging performance, a Native American drum performance by First Nation Singers, a Step Show by Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc., and more.
