Graduate School Diversity Office
The Graduate School promotes the advancement of equity and diversity to shape generation after generation of thought creators and change agents.
The Graduate School Diversity Office (GSDO) leads and coordinates the University’s initiatives in the recruitment, funding, retention, and graduation of a diverse graduate student body. Additionally, our office works closely with other organizations connected to diversity, underrepresented populations, and multiculturalism.
Diversity & Inclusivity Alliance
What is the D&I Alliance?
The CSE Diversity & Inclusivity Alliance is comprised of students, faculty, postdoctoral researchers, staff, and alumni from throughout the college. The goal of this Alliance is to improve the college's climate through advancement and practice of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). The Alliance brings members of the CSE community together to identify critical DEI issues, develop action plans, promote relevant events and trainings, implement effective DEI practices, and support DEI efforts at the department level. Check out their Calendar of Events
Join the Alliance
Virtual Events
Contact the Alliance
CSE D&I Alliance Mission
Welcoming, recruiting, retaining, graduating, and advancing the career aspirations of ALL members of the CSE community.
CSE D&I Alliance Vision
Establish a supportive culture for ALL members of the CSE community where diversity, equity and inclusivity thrive through participation within departments and among departments of CSE.
Community of Scholars Program (COSP)
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.
McNair Summer Visitation Program
During the summer, the Office for Diversity in Graduate Education, in collaboration with the Graduate School, invites McNair Scholars to our Graduate School Visitation Program held once per month on the Twin Cities campus. The day consists of a presentation about the process of applying for admission to graduate programs. Students also can meet with faculty and staff to discuss their research and receive a staff-led tour of the campus.
Gender and Sexuality Center (GSC) for Queer and Trans Life
The GSC is dedicated to transforming campus climate for University of Minnesota students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members by developing and supporting more inclusive understandings of gender and sexuality through education, advocacy, outreach, and support.
Gender and Sexuality Resources
Guide to Preferred Gender Pronouns
How to be a Male Ally to Women in STEM (video)
EOS: Data Illuminate a Mountain of Molehills Facing Women Scientists
Nature Geoscience: Gender imbalance in US geoscience academia
National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals (NOGLSTP)
Campus Climate
Campus Climate emerged over the last two years 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 issues, President Kaler charged senior leaders in early 2014 with forming the Campus Climate Workgroup (CCWG) to study climate on the Twin Cities campus and question what’s working, what resources are in place, and what needs to change.
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 institutions.
- Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
- Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence
- Women's Center
- Aurora Center for Advocacy & Education
- UMN All-Gender Restroom Map
- North Star STEM Alliance
- UMN TRIO McNair Scholars Program
- Council for the Advancement of Underrepresented Scientists and Engineers (CAUSE)
- UMN Graduate School: Diversity Student Organizations
Persons with Disabilities
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 available on their web site.
Student Groups
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers over 300 student groups with a cultural/diversity focus. Many of these groups are focused on the graduate student experience, and you can find a list of those here. Of particular interest may be the following.
American Indian Student Groups
- American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)
- American Indian Student Cultural Center (AISCC)
- Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
People of Color Student Groups
- Black Graduate and Professional Program Student Association (BGAPSA)
- UMN National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
Women Student Groups
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
University of Minnesota Student Chapter