University Resources

Far from just enriching campus life or the academic experience, equity and diversity are critical to issues of campus culture and climate and are fundamental to everything we do at the University of Minnesota. Below are examples of some of the resources and services on campus for our students.

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. To address campus climate concerns, in early 2014, then-President Eric W. Kaler created the Initiative to Improve Campus Climate on the Twin Cities Campus. Between 2014 and 2019, this initiative was expanded and sustained as a collaborative effort across campus.

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. The COSP also has a lounge where COSP students can relax, spend time with other COSP Scholars, get some work done, and visit with COSP staff. The lounge is located in room 375, 10 Church Street. See a video of the space. 

Disability Resource Center

The University of Minnesota values diverse identities and experiences, and honors disability as an important aspect of human diversity. 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.

Gender and Sexuality Center for Queer and Trans Life

Did you know:  In 2020 Campus Pride and Best Colleges
named the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
as one of the 25 best colleges for LGBTQ+ students
in the nation, marking nearly a decade that the
U of M-Twin Cities has received this recognition.

The Gender and Sexuality Center for Queer and Trans Life (GSC) provides education, advocacy, outreach, and support to students, staff, faculty, alum and community members.

Graduate School Diversity Office

The Graduate School Diversity Office leads and coordinates the University’s initiatives in the recruitment, funding, retention, and graduation of a diverse graduate student body. Additionally, their office works closely with other organizations connected to diversity, underrepresented populations, and multiculturalism.

Immigration Response Team 

The Immigration Response Team seeks to ensure that all faculty, staff, and students who are affected by immigration policy changes have access to resources and support. The team provides outreach to the greater University community on the impact of executive orders and other policy changes, immigration regulations, and issues connected with DACA and immigration status.

Institute for Diversity, Equity, and Advocacy

The Institute for Diversity, Equity, and Advocacy (IDEA) seeks to create an equitable and inclusive environment where diverse faculty and students can reach their fullest potential and excel in their scholarship. IDEA offers programming and supports research that welcomes and embraces diversity and enables University of Minnesota faculty and students to be their best selves – to be welcomed, valued, respected, and heard.

Keeping Our Faculty Symposium

Did you know: The University of Minnesota
runs the only symposium in the nation focused
on advancing faculty diversity in higher education.

Since its inception in 1998, the Keeping Our Faculty Symposium has served as a venue to share practical experience and scholarly knowledge, then translate that information into programmatic and policy-making agendas. Today, the Keeping our Faculty Symposium is still the only national symposium focused on advancing faculty diversity in higher education.

National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity 

The University of Minnesota is proud to be an institutional member of the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD) since 2016. NCFDD is a nationally recognized center dedicated to helping faculty, post-docs, and graduate students make successful transitions throughout their academic careers. NCFDD provides professional development and mentoring through a host of resources that are applicable across all fields of inquiry. Additionally, their highly acclaimed Faculty Success Program is an intensive virtual boot camp offered through NCFDD that combines empirically tested methods, coaching, peer discussions, and accountability tools to help academics thrive in their careers and achieve healthy work-life balance.

Office for Equity and Diversity

In 1996, the University of Minnesota began a process of realigning resources that resulted in the creation of the 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.

Women's Center

The Women’s Center advances gender equity across identities. We educate and inspire feminist leaders, advance an empowering intellectual environment, and advocate for an equitable University culture and community. The first campus-based women's center in the country, the University of Minnesota’s Women's Center was founded in 1960 as the Minnesota Plan for the Continuing Education of Women.

Student Groups

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers hundreds of student groups that have a multicultural/affinity focus. Of particular interest may be the Graduate Students of Color Alliance (GSOCA), University Women of Color (UWOC), and/or the Black Graduate and Professional Program Student Association (BGAPSA).

Affiliated Programs, Departments, Centers & Labs

Psychology PhD students can take advantage of support, coursework, and even funding from our affiliates across the University of Minnesota system. Please see some of our affiliaites listed below:

Did you know: The University of Minnesota has
received designation as an Asian American and
Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI).
This allows us the opportunity to apply for federal funding
and assistance to improve and expand our capacity to
serve Asian Americans and Native American Pacific Islanders.

Affiliated Programs & Departments

Affiliated Centers and Research Labs