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Santa Clara University
The Jesuit University in Silicon Valley

Engagement with Diverse Communities, Locally and Globally

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Engagement with Diverse Communities, Locally and Globally

SCU seeks to create a community that is enriched by people of different backgrounds, respectful of the dignity of all its members, enlivened by open communication, and is caring and just toward others. Through curricular and co-curricular experiences, the university cultivates knowledge, values, experiences, and competencies that prepare students for living, working, and leadership in an increasingly diverse world. All members of the SCU community work collectively toward making the campus a place where all students experience an inclusive and respectful environment, and to graduating students with the habits of mind and skillset that allow them to make a positive difference in society and the world.

 

82%

Of seniors strongly agree or agree that they feel part of the community at SCU (NSSE, 2018).




70%

Of seniors report that their SCU education contributed very much or quite a bit to their understanding of people of diverse backgrounds; an additional 25% said it made some contribution (NSSE, 2018).

A doodle of large group of students on campus.  Multicultural Learning Resources 
  • The Multicultural Center (MCC) is the multicultural programming body and racial/ethnic advocacy voice for the campus community. The MCC also supports 10 cultural registered student organizations.
  • The Office of Multicultural Learning offers programs to welcome and celebrate students of color and LGBTQ students, and bring SCU students into dialogue with one another. SCU students take advantage of these many opportunities: 82% of seniors very often, often, or sometimes attend events, activities, or presentations that reflect an appreciation for diverse groups of people (NSSE, 2018).
  • The LEAD Scholars Program for first-generation college students (students whose parents did not graduate from a 4-year college or university) focuses on academic success, community engagement, and vocational exploration.  
A doodle of four people connecting puzzle pieces of the earth. Campus-wide Commitment
  • SCU is committed to improving the recruitment and retention of students, faculty, and staff of color and establishing a diverse, respectful, and inclusive community for all populations. The University established new structures and programs designed to ensure its goals are realized.
  • Key programs on campus include the Office for Diversity and Inclusion, which provides support for inclusive hiring and recruitment for faculty and staff, and offers trainings such as SafeSpace and UndocuAlly workshops.
  • The departments of Ethnic Studies and Women's and Gender Studies offer interdisciplinary majors and minors that provide opportunities for internships, working with faculty on research, and an array of co-curriculuar activities including workshops, speaker series, and clubs.        

     

69%

of seniors report their coursework emphasized respecting the expression of diverse ideas very much or quite a bit; 24% report some of their coursework did so (NSSE, 2018).

60%

of seniors report that their coursework emphasized discussions of equity or privilege very much or quite a bit; another 29% say some of their coursework did so (NSSE, 2018).