University Resources

Below are examples of some of the resources and services on campus for our students.

Community of Scholars Program

Based in the Graduate School Diversity Office, the Community of Scholars Program (COSP) works towards creating an institutional environment that supports the academic and professional success of graduate students who are underrepresented in academia. COSP assists in helping students (US citizens and permanent residents) more fully participate in the University; develop supportive relationships with advisors and mentors; build a sense of community through academic seminars and professional development workshops; and connect to the Twin Cities and broader U of M system through teaching, research, and community engagement opportunities. 

Graduate School Diversity Office

Graduate School Diversity Office coordinates and leads the University’s initiatives in the recruitment, funding, retention, and graduation of a diverse graduate and professional student body.

Graduate Ambassadors Program

For many students who are traditionally underrepresented in graduate education – and may be unaccustomed to the state’s climate, customs. and culture – making a smooth transition to the land of lakes, mosquitos, midwestern winters, and the culture of “Minnesota Nice” can be difficult. The Puerto Rico, McNair Scholar, Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), and Black Graduate and Professional Student Association (BGAPSA) Ambassador Programs enable prospective students to connect with current graduate students who agreed to share information about their campus experiences. These programs help students to build communities that enrich their campus experiences. Please contact gsdorecruit@umn.edu for more information about these programs.

Gender and Sexuality Center for Queer and Trans Life

The Gender and Sexuality Center for Queer and Trans Life provides education, advocacy, outreach, and support to students, staff, faculty, alum, and community members. They strive to create a campus climate where more inclusive understandings of gender and sexuality foster a sense of belonging for all.

Disability Resource Center

The Disability Resource Center (DRC) works in partnership with students, faculty, staff, and guests of the University to eliminate or minimize barriers and facilitate inclusion on campus. 

Campus Climate

Campus Climate emerged in 2014 as a pressing issue through the Twin Cities campus strategic planning process, as well as past and current grassroots efforts led by campus groups concerned about the experiences of marginalized groups at the University of Minnesota. Between 2014 and 2019, this initiative was expanded and sustained as a collaborative effort across campus.

Office for Equity and Diversity

In 1996, the University of Minnesota began a process of realigning resources that resulted in the existing Office for Equity and Diversity (OED). This intentional process of building a strong, interwoven structure reflects the University’s view of equity and diversity as critical elements and core values in achieving excellence at a leading research institution.

Immigration Response Team 

Immigration Response Team members are available to talk with individuals who are looking for legal assistance and need information about where to get help. In addition, they keep a running list of campus and community resources. 

Keeping Our Faculty Symposium

Since its inception in 1998, our continuing goals for the Keeping Our Faculty Symposium have been “to share practical experience and scholarly knowledge, then translate that information into programmatic and policy-making agendas”. We seek to provide our participants with the best possible experience to meet these goals at each gathering. is still the only national symposium focused on advancing faculty diversity in higher education.

National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity Institutional Membership

As part of their ongoing commitment to recruiting and retaining an excellent faculty, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities has become an institutional member of the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD). The NCFDD is an independent professional development, training, and mentoring community of faculty members, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate students. Graduate students are invited to register under the auspices of our institutional membership.

Student Groups

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers over 300 student groups with a cultural/diversity focus. The Graduate School Diversity Office lists a number of community organizations and academic and professional support resources