Get Involved

Opportunities

Equity & Diversity Certificate Program

The Equity and Diversity Certificate helps participants develop tools necessary for advancing equity and diversity in all aspects of their personal and professional lives. 
Who this is for: It’s free of charge to University of Minnesota students, faculty, and staff on all campuses. There is a fee for external participants not currently working or studying at the U of M.
More information: https://diversity.umn.edu/education or oeded@umn .edu

EOAA Resources and Educational Workshops

Resources and custom workshops related to issues within Equal Opportunity & Affirmative Action.
Who this is for: Faculty, staff, and students.
More informationhttp://eoaa.umn.edu/resources

Trans Advisory and Action Team (formerly the Transgender Commission)

The Trans Advisory and Action Team is a coalition of students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members working for equity, access, and liberation for people of all gender identities and expressions. It is led by trans*, genderqueer, and gender nonconforming people across the University of Minnesota and local Twin Cities communities.
Who this is for: Students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members.
More information: Email the Gender and Sexuality Center for Queer and Trans Life (GSC) at [email protected]

Lactation Advocacy Committee

Advocates for lactation spaces and resources on campus.
Who this is for: Faculty, staff, and students.
More information: [email protected]

PRISMH: The President's Initiative for Student Mental Health

The committee aims to raise awareness about issues related to student mental health, effect policy change, improve conditions on campus for students with mental health conditions, and serve as a model of collaboration for our campus and other universities.
Who this is for: Faculty, staff, and students
More informationpresident.umn.edu/prismh-presidents-initiative-student-mental-health

Small World Coffee Hour

Invites all international and domestic students, faculty and staff to gather together in relaxing social environment. Each interactive event has the flavoring of a specific cultural region’s activities, foods and traditions.
Who this is for: All Twin Cities students, faculty, and staff.
More information: http://www.isss.umn.edu/programs/smallworld

Women in Technology (WIT)

WIT's mission is to increase diversity in technology on campus at all levels, striving to create connections between the University of Minnesota and the broader women-in-technology community. Members include women and allies, both students and professional, who work with or are interested in working with technology. WIT members seek to grow together as a professional network, share knowledge with each other as peers, and act as a support system to empower our future careers and endeavors.
Who this is for: UMN-WIT membership is open to all interested in our mission. Please join our Google group to receive updates, learn about upcoming events, receive shared community resources, and join the conversation! 
More informationwit.umn.edu

Students

Undergraduate Sutdent Government 

The MSA Committee on Diversity & Inclusion is the student government committee devoted to issues of campus climate. It's a great way to spearhead an issue of diversity and inclusivity on behalf of undergraduates and work with students, faculty, and administrators.
Who this is for: Any undergraduate.
More information: https://usgumn.com/join-a-committee-or-task-force

Social Justice Leadership Retreat

The Social Justice Leadership Retreat is designed to help educate students about the concepts of social justice and community leadership through exploration of their own stories, the stories of others, exploring issues of oppression and privilege, developing contacts and support networks across campus, and developing skills to be an ally to many different groups.
Who this is for: Undergraduates on the Twin Cities campus
More informationhttps://housing.umn.edu/get-involved/social-justice

Student Activities Office

Student group involvement is one way to become engaged in activities and conversations about campus climate.  With more than a thousand groups on campus, students are sure to find multiple groups that fit their diverse interests.  Students can find groups, their contact information and their upcoming events on GopherLink.

Students can also visit the Cultural Centers: 

Who this is for: Primarily for students on the Twin Cities campus.  Faculty and staff are also welcome to join.
More information: Student Unions & Activities, sua.umn.edu[email protected] or 612-626-6919

Office for Student Affairs Opportunities

There are a variety of student advisory boards, committees, and student leadership opportunities through the Office for Student Affairs, ranging from the Student Health Advisory Committee to the Aurora Center volunteer opportunities to the University Student Legal Service's student-run Board of Directors.
Who this is for: Students on the Twin Cities campus.
More information: To get involved, email the Office for Student Affairs or call 612-626-1242Cross-Cultural Discussion Groups

Weekly small group gathers that bring international and domestic students together in an intimate atmosphere to explore their cross-cultural experiences and perspectives.
Who this is for: Students on the Twin Cities Campus
More information: http://www.isss.umn.edu/programs/disgroup

Boynton Transgender Health Clinic

The Boynton Transgender Health Clinic seeks to provide care and resources for transgender and non-gender conforming patients utilizing an informed consent model.
Who is this for: Faculty, staff, and students
More informationhttps://boynton.umn.edu/clinics/transgender-health

Greek Life

The University of Minnesota Greek Community consists of four councils: the Interfraternity Council (IFC), the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), and the Panhellenic Council (PHC). Known together as ‘BeGreek,’ the councils organize events and provide opportunities to create a sense of community, provides scholarships, provides leadership opportunities, and gives back to the community through community service initiatives and fundraisers.
Who is this for: Students
More informationhttps://www.begreekumn.org/http://fsl.umn.edu/

Global Gophers

A Learning Living Community in Pioneer Hall that brings international and domestic students together into a single housing community that gives residents a global experience through interactive cross-cultural learning.
Who this is for: Students on the Twin Cities Campus
More information: https://housing.umn.edu/scb or email [email protected]

Cross-Cultural Discussion Groups

Cross-Cultural Discussion Groups gather small groups of international and domestic students to explore their new ideas, exchange cross-cultural experiences, learn from diverse perspectives.
Who this is for: All students (international and domestic)
More Information: https://isss.umn.edu/programs/disgroup

International Student Advisory Board

The International Student Advisory Board works as a consultative body sponsored by International Student and Scholar Services and the Office of Student Affairs. The members contribute to enhancing the international student experience by focusing on issues pertaining to student life outside the classroom.
Who this is for: Departments, staff and faculty interested in improving the international student experience are encouraged to contact the board for recommendations.
More Informationhttps://isss.umn.edu/programs/intladvisory.html

Social Justice Action Living and Learning Community

 A living and learning community in Pioneer Hall to enhance leadership skills related to social justice concepts and have the opportunity to work with other students through peer education and outreach.
Who is this for: Students
More information[email protected] and [email protected]

Parents As Students Support (PASS) Group

A support group for student parents that creates opportunities for connection and learning about solutions to the unique problems student parents face at a university. 
Who is this for: Undergraduate students who are pregnant or have children
More information[email protected]

Gopher Hall

Gopher Hall is a virtual community that provides social and academic support by providing a forum for commuter students to connect with one another. The combination of virtual resources and in-person programming promotes a more accessible and stronger connection to the campus community for commuter students. With many of the University's commuter students also being first-generation students, Gopher Hall provides easily accessible resources, information, and answers to questions that they may not receive living at home.
More informationhttp://ocl.umn.edu/live-at-home/#getting-involved

The Commuter Connection

The Commuter Connection aims to offer off-campus students a link to the campus community through programming, large group volunteering, leadership opportunities, advocacy, and providing an open lounge area. The Commuter Connection works with other student organizations and University partners to engage commuter students on campus and increase their sense of belonging at the University. Current plans include 1) providing monthly programs, both social and education, 2) assessing the needs of current commuter students and determining what barriers they face in regard to involvement on campus, and 3) implementing programming and resources to meet those needs.
More information[email protected]

Multifaith Student Council

Developing an on-campus multifaith community that advocates for students on faith-based issues, develops programming that inspires dialogue and education, and ultimately connecting students across all faith traditions. Making an open and supportive campus community in collaboration with many student groups.
Who this is for: Students on the Twin Cities campus.
More information: http://www.umnmfsc.com/, email [email protected], or connect on Facebook.

Faculty and Staff

P&A Women’s Council

Established in 2008, the Professional & Administrative (P&A) Women's Council provides leadership to enrich the University environment for P&A women through professional development, networking, and advocacy.
Who this is for: P&A Women
More information: Leslie Bautista, (Vice Chair of Communications), Student Counseling Services, 612-625-3173[email protected]

Project and Change Management Collaborators (PCMC)

(PCMC) is a vibrant and responsive peer network at the University of Minnesota that strives to advance knowledge and foster exceptional results in project and change management.
Who this is for: University faculty and staff interested in taking a project and change management approach to their work as well as those in formal project and change management roles.
More information: Contact the PCMC Sterring Committee at [email protected]

Black Faculty & Staff Association

The mission of the Black Faculty & Staff Association (BFSA) is to build and maintain a well-connected community of Black employees to increase their sense of belonging and affinity to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.
Who this is for: Black faculty and staff.
More information: [email protected]

American Indian Faculty and Staff Association

Affinity group for American Indian faculty and staff.
Who this is for: American Indian faculty and staff.
More information:[email protected] Follow AIFSA on Facebook | https://diversity.umn.edu/resources/u-m-affinity-groups

Asian American Pacific Islander Desi (AAPID) Staff and Faculty Association

The Asian American Pacific Islander Desi Faculty and Staff Association strives to support AAPID employees at the University of Minnesota by sustaining a visible and dynamic AAPID community, engaging in professional networking and leadership development, and promoting the overall retention and advancement of AAPID employees at the U of M.
Who this is for: Asian American Pacific Islander Desi (AAPID) faculty and staff.
More information[email protected]

Latino/a/x Faculty and Staff Association (LFSA)

The Latino/a/x Faculty and Staff Association aims to provide opportunities for faculty, administrators, and staff to interact with each other and create community.
Who this is for: Latino/a/x faculty, staff and others employed at the university. 
More information: Email us: [email protected] or find us on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/umnlfsa/

University Indigenous Women and Women of Color

University Women of Color sponsors events and gatherings that create a space for all women of color and indigenous women within the University to feel valued, supported, respected, and connected.
Who this is for: Women of color and indigenous women faculty and staff.
More information: [email protected]

Pride @ Work

Pride@Work is the University's affinity group for LGBTQIA+ staff, faculty, and graduate students and housed within the Gender and Sexuality Center for Queer and Trans Life. Pride@Work links together LGBTQIA+ staff, faculty, and graduate students through programming, critical dialogue, and networking opportunities.
Who this is for: LGBTQIA+ staff, faculty, and graduate students. 
More information[email protected]

Disabled Employees at the U (DEU)

DEU is a newly established affinity group working to build an inclusive and accessible community to promote personal, professional, and educational development. The group meets monthly
Who this is for: Any University of Minnesota employee who identifies as having one or more disabilities.  This does not include student workers or Graduate Assistants.
More information: [email protected]

U of M Veteran and Military Affinity Group (VMAG)

The U of M Veteran and Military Affinity Group serves as a network of resources and shared experiences for staff and faculty veterans and active military service members, while providing opportunities to network and develop professionally and personally. VMAG plans to meet once a month in addition to hosting events.
Who is this for: staff and faculty veterans and active military service members
More information[email protected]

Women’s Faculty Cabinet

The mission of the cabinet is to provide consultation and advice to the senior vice president for academic affairs and provost in order to improve and enrich the academic and professional environments for women faculty at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. More info.
Who this is for: Women faculty
More information[email protected]

Diversity Community of Practice (DCoP)

The Diversity Community of Practice (DCoP) is a grassroots community that develops and leverages personal, professional, and technical expertise to ensure successful implementation of equity and diversity goals at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.
Who this is for: Faculty and staff from collegiate and administrative units across the University system
More Information: dcop.umn.edu

ISSS Intercultural Training Workshops

A collection of workshops focused on intercultural competency and skills development as well as “Culture In-Depth” sessions discussing the unique practices, customs, and values of some of the largest international student populations on our campus. ISSS will also work with groups to develop customized sessions upon request.
Who this is for: University faculty and staff, primarily on the Twin Cities campus
More information: http://isss.umn.edu/training/intercultural.html

International Student Advisory Board

The International Student Advisory Board works as a consultative body sponsored by International Student and Scholar Services and the Office of Student Affairs. The members contribute to enhancing the international student experience by focusing on issues pertaining to student life outside the classroom.
Who this is for: Departments, staff and faculty interested in improving the international student experience are encouraged to contact the board for recommendations.
More Information: https://isss.umn.edu/programs/intladvisory.html