How can you support students from underrepresented populations?
The Center for Inclusion and Social Change (CISC) offers resources and a brave space for students across multiple identities to grow and find support. CISC is also a resource for people in the CU Boulder community who care about social justice and activism to explore opportunities for community-based learning and social action.
As part of the Division of Student Affairs, CISC works alongside other departments to support faculty and staff in helping students develop a sense of belonging at CU Boulder.
Preparing to support students
As you consider ways to support students, you can take time to think about how your identity may aid or challenge your role as a mentor, ally or resource for students from different backgrounds and identities. Reflect on and examine your experiences, biases, stereotypes and generalizations about students from underrepresented and underserved populations.
Then, tap into resources to expand your knowledge and continue your education about different cultures, identities and student experiences. CISC offers workshops primarily for students. However, faculty and staff can participate in SafeZone and UndocuAlly training. CISC also provides self-guided learning resources that you can use to learn at your own pace.
When you interact with students, be an active listener and engage with empathy and curiosity across differences. Recognize your privilege in interactions, including if you are in a position of authority, so you can work to ensure everyone feels supported, heard and valued.
Incorporate an asset-based framework, which means all students bring personal and community assets, strengths and capital to our community. This framework appreciates how identity-based differences bring richness and depth to the campus.
If you were the first in your family to attend college, you can volunteer your time and story to help students. Students can access the First-Generation Faculty and Staff Directory. The directory also highlights faculty and staff who are allies of the first-generation community. If you want to join the First-Generation Faculty and Staff Directory or need to update any information listed in the directory, please contact Mike Jones.
Using campus resources
Share resources with students
CISC offers students a range of resources to support intersectional identity development.
You can promote CISC and resources to students. Explore information for scholarships, discrimination and harassment, health and wellness, academics and more.
Promote the gathering space
Located in the Center for Community (C4C), N320, students can stop by Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and Fridays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., to hang out, study and relax.
The gathering space invites students to enjoy the student lounge, ‘self-care’ table and free printing. Students may also pick up free menstrual and safer sex supplies in a welcoming and inclusive space.
Attend or share events
CISC and other departments offer diverse events and programs for the CU Boulder community. Many events are open to faculty and staff as well as students. The events aim to create a safe and inclusive environment where individuals of all identities can learn and grow.
Events open to faculty and staff
Community gatherings: Hosted monthly, the gatherings include informal events to celebrate Latinx and AAPI communities.
: The Pride Office hosts weekly events where LGBTQ+ students, faculty and staff gather, have fun and build community.
CUnity Fest: This annual event is part of Fall Welcome. It is a time for students to learn about campus resources, meet student organizations and Multicultural Greek leaders and talk with staff from CISC and other departments.
TRANSforming Gender Conference: Held each year in March, the conference raises awareness about issues and identities in the trans community through talks, training and forums.
Women’s Leadership Symposium: The annual conference focuses on women’s leadership resources and allows participants to learn and collaborate.
Events for students
Kitchen Table: These monthly gatherings bring together students identifying as women of color working their way through a predominantly white university.
Story Circle: Students can explore dialogue skills and strategies to learn how to have effective conversations across different identities and experiences. Participants will share stories and listen deeply to other storytellers.
: The Pride Office offers several weekly events geared toward students, including Queer Cheer and Queers and Cake.
Ignite Social Justice and Leadership Conference: Students are invited to attend on Saturday, Oct. 21, to learn, dialogue, network, develop leadership skills and build community around social justice topics.
National First-Generation Celebration Day: CISC will celebrate First-Generation students on Nov. 8 with events and activities.
You’ll find the full line-up of events for students on the CISC website.
Participate, host or promote workshops
The Education & Social Change Office offers 10 workshops facilitated by CISC professional staff and peer educators. The workshops are designed for undergraduate students. Email peeps@colorado.edu with questions about workshops or to request a workshop for your class, team or group. The workshops require a minimum of 12 participants.
Help students build community
A sense of belonging matters for the success of every college student, but students from underrepresented backgrounds and identities significantly benefit from connection and community. Data shows students involved on campus and with positive peer relationships demonstrate better academic performance and improved mental health.
CISC is here to help every student feel like they belong at CU Boulder. Faculty and staff can help promote events, programs and resources to support students as they grow and thrive at CU Boulder and in the future.
When a referral is appropriate, extend students your cultural and personal capital. Introduce them directly and walk them over when possible. You are a valuable advocate for students.
CISC offices
Within CISC are four offices to offer support specific to identities and needs to foster growth and peer-to-peer advocacy.
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Education and Social Change Office
The Education and Social Change Office provides transformative educational opportunities. The office aims to create civically conscious leaders who respectfully engage in social justice discourse and activism. The office hosts workshops and the Ignite Social Justice and Leadership Conference and offers self-guided learning resources.
First-Generation Programs and Enrichment Office
The First-Generation Programs and Enrichment Office provides advocacy and support for first-generation college students through the First-Generation Scholars Program and enrichment programs. The office aims to create visibility, enhance strengths and foster a sense of community and celebration for first-generation students.
Intercultural Engagement Office
The Intercultural Engagement Office cultivates belonging, celebrates community and promotes identity development to support underrepresented student success. The office provides community-building events, identity-based resources, educational programs and opportunities for leadership development.
Pride Office
The Pride Office builds belonging and community for LGBTQ+ students, faculty and staff at CU Boulder. The office aims to empower LGBTQ+ people to embody their identities with pride and celebrate their experiences as part of the community. The Pride Office hosts events, offers training and connects students to other resources.
Learn more about CISC
The Center for Inclusion and Social Change offers a welcoming environment for all students to learn and participate. Stop by the CISC office in the C4C, N320, to visit the gathering space. You can also email cisc@colorado.edu or call 303-492-0272 with questions.