DISC: A Mission to Reconnect SCU
Madeline Tragoutsis
After about five years in the making and with the dedicated support of multiple student organizations, the Diversity and Inclusion Student Center (DISC) has come to life in the new Sobrato Campus for Discovery and Innovation. This was made possible by partnership between the School of Engineering, College of Arts & Sciences, and the University’s Provost Office. While Santa Clara University may be separated into different schools and departments, the DISC aims to unify the students, staff, organizations, and resources on campus in order to create stronger connections and a university-wide community.
As a new point of convergence, the DISC offers a dynamic expanse for students. With the goal of connection at the forefront, all aspects of the DISC aim to bring us together in new and innovative ways. It can be daunting for students to identify the on-campus resources that they need, which is why the DISC builds a bridge between students and all of the resources that are available to them. Information and guidance about on-campus resources are all easily accessible at the center. Students can enjoy a simpler process of finding and using these resources.
The DISC creates a collaboration of the diverse perspectives that we value, giving students a space to work together to create, educate, and inspire. Students from different schools and organizations within SCU that share common interests or are working on similar projects can connect in order to streamline research and learning. Collaboration of students from different backgrounds and cultures also allows for the inclusion of additional perspectives, launching a deeper analysis of the work at hand.
Ricardo Padilla, Jr., who serves as the Programs Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in STEM, has worked to support students in creating the space and implementing feedback from students and organizations on campus. Ricardo continues to show his dedicated support, stating, “I'm here for the students. There is no university without the students. So I must do my best to work, to advocate, to amplify their voices, their concerns, to listen and hear them, and lead by example of what it means to walk the walk in building a more just, diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus community, so with that said, please reach out to me as all ideas and feedback are welcome." Learn more about Ricardo’s role and find his contact information here.