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Diversity at DU
African-American Alumni Association (A4)
The mission of the African-American Alumni Association is to increase, retain and improve the quality of life for African American students at the University; examine the quality of life of African American students at the University of Denver, develop programs that will enhance the quality of life for African American students while on the campus of the University, provide an opportunity for African American Alumni to remain connected to the University; and create a connection that attracts, retains, and supports African American students at the University of Denver. For more information contact the office of Alumni Relations at (303) 877-2701 or email alumni@du.edu.
Asian Student Alliance (ASA)
ASA, formerly CAPSA, addresses the issues that Asian-American youth face today. Their mission is to provide an academic, political, and social support group for each Asian-American student through community events aimed at promoting cultural awareness, volunteering in the local community, and networking on campus.
Athletics Diversity and Community Relations
For more information, contact Cindi Nagai at cindi.nagai@du.edu or at (303) 871-4532.
AUSA Diversity Committee
The Diversity Committee is a part of the All Undergraduate Student Association Senate and has been allocated a set amount of funds set aside yearly from the Student Activity Fee. Its’ purpose is to promote the cause of certain campus community members whose voice is not being heard, as well as, to promote a campus community that is welcoming to everyone. Diverse organizations are encouraged to fill out applications.
BELAY
BELAY is a student organization composed of students with disabilities and those interested in disability awareness. Belay speaks to university groups as well as community groups on issues around disability and self advocacy. For more information contact Dan Goodman by email at dgoodma2@du.edu.
Center for African-American Policy
The University of Denver Center for African American Policy is a unique blend of academics, public policy and community and public service. The Center was formed to encourage public discourse and to increase the flow of information on issues, policies and trends that affect African Americans. The goal of the Center is to work for and achieve a positive change in the present and future lives of African Americans through academics, the arena of public discourse and community and public service. For more information contact Veronica White at (303) 871-4195 or email vwhite@du.edu.
Center for Community Engagment and Service Learning
The Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning at the University of Denver is committed to serving the Public Good by engaging students, faculty, and staff in applied learning and civic action within local and global communities. Many of the programs within the Center focus upon engaging DU students in underserved neighbhorhoods around Denver and the world. For more information about the CCESL and the many ways for students to get involved, visit www.du.edu/engage.
Coalition of Faculty of Color in Clinical Programs (CFCCP)
The Coalition of Faculty of Color in Clinical Programs (CFCCP) is comprised of faculty from the four DU graduate programs that provide clinical training in the social sciences (i.e., Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Professional Psychology, and Social Work). This coalition promotes diversity within DU by promoting the recruitment and retention of graduate students of color and faculty of color. It also promotes the interdisciplinary integration and collaboration of faculty of color among these four programs by providing a forum for academic exchange and mutual professional support. For more information contact Fernando Guzman at (303) 871-7660 or email fernando.guzman@du.edu.
College of Law Diversity Dialogues
College of Law Diversity Dialogues - are facilitated small group sessions designed for law students to discuss in a safe environment issues surrounding multiculturalism, including racism, sexism, sexual orientation, etc. The College of Law began offering these groups in the Spring 2002 semester, with each of three groups meeting for two-hour sessions once a week over a four-week period. Discussions allow students to express individual views and hear from their peers regarding social issues that may not be addressed in much of their regular course curriculum. Diversity Dialogues will be continued in the 2004-2005 school year. For information contact Dan Vigil, College of Law at (303) 871-6208 or email jvigil@du.edu.
Community-Based Research Project
Community-Based Research Project - involves research collaboration between community-based organizations and university faculty and students. At the University of Denver, our goal is to conduct community-based research that empowers neighborhood organizations and residents to address their own needs and shape their own future. For information contact Dr. Nick Cutforth, College of Education at (303) 871-2477 or email ncutfort@du.edu.
Diversity Action Team
The Diversity Action Team represents the Student Life Divisions' multilayered commitment to Inclusive Excellence. This group serves as a resource to our colleagues in the student life division as we help identify tangible ways to implement diversity and excellence in to our work and practice. For more information please contact B. Afeni Cobham, Ph.D. Assistant Provost of Student Life at (303) 871-4720 or e-mail at bcobham@du.edu.
DU Latino Alumni Association (DULAA)
The Latino Alumni Association (LAA) at the University of Denver works toward to achieving excellence through diversity by supporting the educational mission of the University of Denver and addressing the needs of both the DU and greater Denver Latino community. For information contact: Lynne Valencia at
(303) 871-9999 or email lynne.valencia@9news.com or visit www.alumni.du.edu/DULAA.
DU Queer and Ally Commission
The Queer and Ally Commission represents the culmination of efforts from across campus and a commitment to ensure that DU is a place where all faculty, staff, and students are represented and included, regardless of sexual orientation and/or gender. The DU Queer and Ally Commission is open to everyone. The Commission hosts the annual LGBTIQ and Allies Celebration Gala and is currently working to expand DU’s Safe Zone program. All are invited to join the Commission. For more information, contact Sarah Nickels at: sarah.nickels@du.edu or 303-871-4614.
DU Queer Faculty Association
The DU Queer Faculty Association supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning-identified faculty on campus through advocacy, scholarship, and social networking. The DU QFA works to connect queer faculty across the university and insure that DU is an affirming space for all queer students, staff, and faculty. Currently, the QFA meets once a month and the focus of meetings varies from discussing issues related to teaching challenges facing queer faculty; sharing queer studies research; holding social potlucks; and developing queer-friendly policies for tenure and promotion. The QFA also values and supports the work of queer allies and queer staff on campus and at various times plans meetings or events to connect with them. For more information, contact Professor Nancy Wadsworth at nwadswor@du.edu.
DU Queer University Employees (QUE)
Queer University Employees (QUE) is a professional organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, questioning, and ally (LGBTIQA) employees at the University of Denver who join together to promote a welcoming and affirming university community. QUE meets monthly for social, networking, advocacy, and educational opportunities. For more information, contact Karen Bensen at karen.bensen@du.edu.
Hillel
Hillel at the University of Denver invites you to be part of a Jewish community filled with celebration, learning and creativity. Hillel is your Jewish resource center on campus. Hillel’s student-run committees develop a variety of programs to meet the needs of a diverse Jewish community on campus: Shabbat and holiday observances, community service/tzedek, Israel education, Holocaust Awareness Week, social, cultural, musical, Jewish education, and leadership development. We welcome all Jewish students, regardless of affiliation or background. We welcome non-Jewish students who are interested in learning more about Judaism. For more information contact Rachel Beth Pinsker by phone at (303) 777-2773.
Ho’ailona o Lokahi
Ho’ailona o Lokahi (symbol of unity) perpetuates the “Aloha Spirit” to all members of the DU community and encourages them to experience the greatness of Aloha and the Hawaiian culture. We welcome those who share a common interest in Hawaii’s culture. Our purpose is to unify the DU community through the awareness of the Hawaiian culture and heritage. It is our first year as an organization on campus. We have held several workshops to educate others about Hawaii. In April Ho’ailona o Lokahi presented DU’s long-awaited authentic luau. Next year we hope to recruit more members and we want everyone to know that we welcome all of you. Most importantly you don’t have to be from Hawaii. For more information contact Kelsey Yamasaki by email at kyamasaka@du.edu.
Native Student Alliance (NSA)
NSA strives to create an awareness of cultures, and current and historical issues in Native America on the University campus while providing an environment in which Native American students can commune with one another and orient themselves in a larger world. The NSA works to create ties both on and off the DU campus to maintain a sense of Native American community. For more information, contact Alicia Chee at email alilcia.chee@du.edu.
Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity
The Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity works to prevent discrimination and harassment through consultation and education and to correct problems when they occur. If you want information on prevention contact Val Gonzalez, EEO/ADA Specialist, at
(303) 871-2585 or by email Val.Gonzalez@du.edu. He is also available to discuss your options, including filing an informal or formal complaint, if you have concerns about possible discrimination or harassment.
Outlaws
Lesbian Gay & Bisexual Law Students' Association
The Lesbian Gay & Bisexual Law Students' Association (LGBLSA) at the University of Denver is a group of law students committed to legal and social education and change. The group is open to all members of the University community, regardless of orientation or identity. The LGBLSA organizes educational programs on topics such as the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, hate crimes and same-sex custody issues. In addition, the group hosts social events to give students the opportunity to network with members of Colorado's Gay and Lesbian Bar Association. For more information contact du.outlaws@gmail.com.
Out4Biz
Out for Business is an educational and professional forum designed to further the interests of Daniels College of graduate students who identify themselves as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. Out for Business members comprise an important social network and represent the GLBT community to the college.
The group is especially interested in connecting with Daniels' alumni and friends who are interested in connecting with the college’s new GLBT student group. For more information or to become involved, please contact http://daniels.du.edu/Out4Biz/index.cfm.
Link to web site
Social Justice Living and Learning Community
Social Justice Living and Learning Community – is designed for students committed to the study and practice of social justice and ethics. Our goal is to equip students to bring about positive social change. DU Social Justice students study the history and underlying foundations of ethics and justice. They learn how people have created social change. And they seek to create a better world. For information contact: Katie Symons at (303) 871-3332 or email ksymons@du.edu.
Spanish Program-Department of Languages and Literature
The Spanish Program-Department of Languages and Literature at the University of Denver offers an innovative course of study. A functional and communicative focus in language courses allows students to develop their listening, reading, speaking and writing proficiency in Spanish. Such courses provide a foundation for practical oral and written communication and for literary and cultural analysis. The upper division Hispanic Studies Program is a departmental strength that consists of cultural and interdisciplinary studies in Spanish, Latin American, and U.S. Latino/a culture and literature. In this program students acquire an advanced level of language proficiency and cultural knowledge as well as the analytical and interpretative skills applicable to a wide range of disciplines such as International Studies, Business, Psychology, and Education. For information contact Susan Walter (303) 871-2182 or email swalter@du.edu.
The Spirituals Project
The Spirituals Project is a broad based initiative to explore the many, varied dimensions of African American spirituals as art form, tradition and tool; and to invite all people to experience the joy and power of this dynamic music and gift from African Americans to the world. Spirituals uplift in times of crisis, heal, comfort, inspire and instill hopes and dreams, thereby transforming individuals, communities and whole societies. Our goal is to ensure that the spirituals will be passed on for many generations to come. www.spiritualsproject.org For information contact:
Connie Rule at (303) 871-7992 or email connie.rule@du.edu.
Urban Studies Minor
Urban Studies Minor - takes an interdisciplinary approach by bringing many different perspectives to the study of urban life. Students will take courses in Anthropology, Economics, Education, Geography, Human Communication Studies, and Sociology. This course work will help shape students’ intellectual understanding of cities and refine their questions about urban life. Students will have a diverse array of opportunities to think about cities in an informed, disciplined and integrated way. For information contact Dr. Nick Cutforth, College of Education at (303) 871-2477 or email ncutfort@du.edu.
Vietnamese Student Association
As members of the community and of the Vietnamese Student Association, we feel that there is so much potential for further establishing the Vietnamese community’s presence here in Colorado and the U.S. We are committed to being informed and active leaders. We also aim to generate friendship and harmony between the Vietnamese community and others of different race through better mutual understanding. For more information contact Thuan Tran at tntran@du.edu.
VIP Partnership Program
To partner with Denver West High School faculty, staff, and parents in order to motivate students to complete high school, prepare for further education and help them facilitate the transition from high school to higher education. Visit www.du.edu/vip.
Women’s College
The Women’s College of the University of Denver offers undergraduate degrees in business, communication, law and society, and information technology studies in a weekend and evening format. Our curriculum is that of the University of Denver, taught by University faculty and adjuncts, and delivered in a manner conducive to the learning and life needs of adult women. The age range of our students spans five generations, with 39 being the average age. Approximately 34% of our students identify themselves as women of color. While a very diverse community, these women share the commonality of being serious learners. For more information, please contact (303) 871-6848.