Student Diversity and Inclusion

Welcome to Student Diversity & Inclusion

Columbia College Chicago prioritizes diversity and inclusion as a vital component of the student experience. Student Diversity & Inclusion (SDI) supports this charge through programming, student support, educational outreach, and intentional community building. SDI’s programs and events aim to engage Columbia students in the exploration of their identities; and in understanding the ways in which identity is uniquely actualized, expressed, and lived. SDI provides opportunities for students to engage in dialogue around issues of power, privilege, and oppression in order to develop a greater knowledge and understanding of themselves, each other, their communities, and the world. In these ways Student Diversity & Inclusion embodies Columbia College Chicago’s mission to prepare students to author the culture of their time.

• Land Acknowledgement
  We collectively acknowledge that Columbia College Chicago occupies the ancestral, traditional, and contemporary Lands of the Anishinaabeg—Three Fires Confederacy of the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi, as well as the Miami, Menominee, Ho-Chunk, Illinois, Sac and Fox nations. Although there are no recognized Indian nations in the state of Illinois, we recognize, support and advocate for the sovereignty of all Indian nations, for the historic Indigenous communities in Illinois, for Indigenous individuals and communities who live in the Chicagoland area, and for those who were forcibly removed from their Homelands. By offering this Land Acknowledgment, we reaffirm our College’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Mission statement, and affirm Indigenous sovereignty and will hold Columbia College Chicago more accountable to the needs of American Indian and Indigenous peoples.
• Cultural & Identity Conscious Programming

  Identity is dynamic and beautiful. Every student deserves the opportunity to explore their identities and shape their own stories and narratives. Through our events and programs SDI supports students in asking hard questions of themselves and the world around them. SDI aims provide space, programming, events, and platforms where various communities of people can see the humanity in one another. Check out our programming calendar and our social media for more information on upcoming programs!

  SDI strives to provide thoughtful, engaging programming that is culturally relevant, artistically connected, and focused on building community, all in an effort to promote the understanding of diversity and inclusion across campus and beyond. Facilitating that are some of SDI’s  programs:

  Programs

  Stream Dreams
  One of SDI’s programs featuring screenings of a diverse range of films from across genres, cultures, and languages. Join us every Monday for a screening, guided discussion, and snacks!
  
  Waffle Wednesday
  A weekly SDI program. Join every Wednesday for a free waffle breakfast while learning more about campus resources and building community with students from various disciplines.
  
  Crafts and Conversations
  Hosted twice a semester, Crafts and Conversations is creative discussion series. Students have the chance to learn a new craft or skill and while community building and engaging in topics related to diversity and inclusion. 
  
  Desktop Discourse

  • Desktop discourse is SDI’s biweekly discussion series focusing on various topics. From campus life to current events, students and staff dive deep into a variety of subjects. Find us on YouTube (link)
  • Once a semester, SDI hosts a live version of Desktop Discourse with active audience participation and special guests.

  Soul Food Readings

  • SDI’s open mic and student showcase, accompanied by soul food catered by local Chicago restaurants.  Participants have shown films, recited poetry, performed musical sets, and more. Its hosted and produced every semester by current student staff. Current dates for this semester are listed in the Columbia Events calendar.
  • If interested in participating, please reach out to Inclusion@colum.edu.

  Collaborations
  In addition to our in-house programming, SDI collaborates with various partners across campus, including faculty and classrooms, student organizations, and various departments.
  
  More information about events can be found on the Columbia events calendar or at SDI’s Instagram, @columbiachisdi. If you have further questions, please contact us at inclusion@colum.edu.

   

• Student Cultural Organizations

  Columbia is host to a number of student organizations. SDI houses a few of the student cultural organizations and works with them throughout the year to promote cultural understanding and honor celebrations and events.

  Click on each organization below for more information on how to get involved. 

  • Black Student Union
  • Latino Alliance
  • Asian Student Organization
  • Chinese Student and Scholars Association
  • International Student Organization
  • Columbia Pride
  • Mosaic Theatre Collective
  • Muslim Student Association
  • American Sign Language Club
• Spaces
  • SDI is housed in 618 S. Michigan Ave, on the 4th floor. Stop by to say hello, ask a question, grab a snack, or hang out and enjoy our spaces. With views of Michigan Avenue and an abundance of resources, SDI is the perfect space to meet up with friends, study, or work on a project.
  • A student worker will always be present to welcome you. If it is your first time entering the space, feel free to ask for a tour!
  • Computer Lab - SDI is home to a computer lab open to all students.
  • Lounge - The lounge is a space to meet with friends and study.
  • Multipurpose Studio - The MPS is where we host many of our weekly community events and where several of Columbia’s cultural student organizations meet. You can also book the space to host an event with your class or organization of up to (capacity).
  • Conference Room - The conference room is available to book for private meetings or small groups of up to (capacity).
  • Kitchen - SDI’s kitchen area is home to Waffle Wednesday and always stocked with coffee, tea, and snacks.
  • Restrooms - There are two gender neutral restrooms are available on the east and west sides of the space.

  Embed programming calendar and add link to Columbia College Chicago Events Calendar.
  For information or inquiries about SDI programs or partnering with us contact Melissa Casanova at mcasanova@colum.edu.

   

• Education Outreach

  Creating truly inclusive spaces often means confronting our mostly deeply held assumptions and beliefs. The work of inclusion is an ongoing journey. To support this journey, SDI provides a number of interactive workshops and for Columbia students and staff.

  Sample Workshop Topics:

  • Ally-ship v. Solidarity
  • Dialogue Across Difference
  • Micro-aggressions
  • Understanding & Interrupting Bias
  • Visionary Storytelling for Social Justice Futures

  For more information or to schedule and training or workshop, please contact Charee Mosby-Holloway at cmosbyholloway@colum.edu.

   

• Student Support & Engagement

  The college journey from orientation to graduation does not happen alone. Columbia College Chicago strives to support students in their academic pursuits and social development. SDI serves as a hub to connect students to campus resources that will aid in them in their growth and success. Through mentorship, engagement, and holistic support SDI contributes to the college’s commitment to student retention and persistence.

  Peer Support Program
  
  Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship Opportunities

   

• International Student and Scholar Affairs

   

   

Event Calendar