Student Diversity and Inclusion

Welcome to Student Diversity & Inclusion

As we welcome you back to campus and prepare to embark on another academic year, we want to acknowledge that many in our Columbia community are experiencing ongoing stress and trauma. We recognize that living in an oppressive society takes a toll on our mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. We also recognize that many legislative actions and decisions across the nation have a tremendous and ongoing impact on Columbia students, faculty, staff, partners, patrons, and collaborators. 

Specifically, we acknowledge that the rise in legislation attacking LGBTQIA+ folx, especially trans and non-binary youth, and the Dobbs decision overturning the constitutional right to an abortion have and will continue to negatively and disproportionately impact our most vulnerable community members. It is okay to not be okay. It is okay to feel uncertain and scared. It is okay to need rest. It is also okay to be joyful and defiant.
 
As we make the transition into a new school year, we want to be clear that we are here to support you, advocate with you, and celebrate you as you.

• SDI Mission
  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.
• Support for Undocumented Students

  In the Student Persistence Office at Columbia College Chicago we are committed to affirming the dignity of everyone, regardless of citizenship status. We value diversity and culture, and it is our honor to demonstrate our support for undocumented students. We know the value and impact our students bring to the campus community and we are a stronger institution because of them.

  As an institution that is working to become a leader in antiracism, we recognize the importance of acknowledging all our community members and assisting them to the best of our ability.

  It is for these reasons that we have compiled a list of different resources that students can explore as you see fit. We encourage you to come to us with questions you have, and we will support as best as we can.

  • The information is meant to serve as a general informational and educational purposes. For questions on immigration policies, statutes, and processes, please see a licensed immigrant attorney.

   

  Resources for Undocumented Students

• 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 with free printing 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).
  • Kitchen - SDI’s kitchen is 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.