DEI Resources for Students

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Opportunities for Student Engagement

Find your people.
Use your voice.
Lead with purpose.

At Edgewood University, diversity, equity, and inclusion are not abstract values. They’re lived every day through the relationships we build, the stories we honor, and the communities we create together. Through cultural celebrations, leadership retreats, and service-centered experiences, you’re invited to show up fully, connect deeply, and lead with compassion.

Heritage Months

Edgewood students celebrate the richness of our campus community through Heritage Month programming that honors culture, history, and identity. These events create space for learning, storytelling, and connection across our diverse community, with guidance and support from the Mission, Values, and Inclusion (MVI) team, who partner with students to bring these experiences to life.

Fall Leaders Retreat

Each fall, students are invited to step away from campus for a weekend of community, reflection, and growth at the Fall Leaders Retreat. This immersive off-campus experience brings together student leaders from across Edgewood University to build relationships, strengthen teamwork, and explore how our Dominican values shape the way they show up and lead.

El Futuro

Every two years, students, faculty, and staff travel to Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois, for El Futuro. This three-day conference brings together dialogue, reflection, and shared experiences centered on leadership, culture, and faith. It invites students to explore who they are, what they believe, and how they want to lead in their communities.

America Reads, America Counts

Edgewood students serve as tutors in math, reading, and science for local schools and educational programs through America Reads, America Counts. This federally supported initiative gives eligible students the chance to make a meaningful impact while earning work-study wages, bringing to life Edgewood’s core values of community and service. For more information, contact Assistant Vice President for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Dr. Richard Sims.

Multicultural Student Organizations

Celebrate culture.
Build community.
Lead with purpose.

Edgewood’s multicultural student organizations give students a space to connect, share experiences, and make a meaningful impact. These groups empower you to carry forward the values that shape our campus, foster belonging, and build leadership skills that extend beyond the classroom.

Asian/International Student Association (AISA)

AISA at Edgewood is an organization open to all students. Our goals are to promote unity, higher education access to Asian students, and the awareness of Asian cultures throughout the Edgewood University and Madison community. We host a variety of events and activities throughout the academic year to help build a sense of community to create further appreciation of the Asian culture.

Black Student Union (BSU)

The BSU at Edgewood promotes a positive atmosphere for all black students and students of African descent by providing an intellectual, cultural and social environment for students to meet their academic goals. The BSU encourages all members to strive for academic excellence and promotes activities of common interest, that are both cultural relevant and educational to the EC community.

LatinX Student Union (LSU)

The LatinX Student Union (LSU), is dedicated to promoting and embracing LatinX culture, heritage and history at Edgewood University. Our organization focuses on community building through various events such as cultural celebrations, fundraisers, and projects to develop and embrace our LatinX culture. Our goal is to advocate for greater representation of LatinX culture within the student body. Not only in the Edgewood University community, but also the greater Madison community.

SAFE

SAFE at Edgewood is a group of students, faculty, and staff who advocate for the well-being of Edgewood University’s gay, bisexual, lesbian, queer, questioning, transgender, and asexual people and their allies. SAFE meets weekly during the academic year to provide a support network for Edgewood’s LGBT community and provides educational opportunities and events/programming throughout campus to raise awareness about the LGBT community.

Inclusive Spaces

Edgewood University offers inclusive spaces designed to support underrepresented student affinity groups. These spaces are open to all students in the spirit of community, belonging, and shared learning.

room with blue chairs, colorful painted wall, and desks

Multicultural Student Lounge

Located in Predolin 206, the Multicultural Student Lounge fosters an inclusive campus where students of color and other historically underserved students can connect, share experiences, and find support. For additional information, please contact mvi@edgewood.edu.

Room with chairs and someone sitting with back faced towards image

Queer Student Center

The Queer Student Center empowers LGBTQ+ students to thrive and experience belonging at Edgewood University. Located in Predolin 214, it serves as a space of solidarity and liberation and is itself a testament to the activism of LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff. For additional information, please contact mvi@edgewood.edu.

Multifaith Prayer Room

Edgewood University’s Multifaith Prayer Room, located in DeRicci 128, offers a peaceful space for reflection, meditation, and prayer for people of all faiths. Campus Ministry also hosts interfaith programs that promote understanding and compassion. For additional information, please contact mvi@edgewood.edu.

Military & Veteran Services

Edgewood University proudly supports veterans and active service members as they transition to college life or continue their education. Located in DeRicci Hall 122, the Office of Military & Veteran Services offers resources to help veterans succeed in academic and professional goals. For more information, contact Director of Military and Veteran Services, Matthew J Schroeder.

Support for Immigration-Affected Students

At Edgewood University, we believe in the inherent dignity of the human person and that every person is created with infinite value, equally worthy of care and respect. Guided by this Catholic and Dominican value, we are committed to enrolling a diverse student population, regardless of documentation or citizenship status, and to supporting students who are immigrants as well as members of mixed-status families.

The Immigration Response and Support Team connects students with guidance, resources, and support to navigate challenges related to immigration status. The team raises awareness of struggles immigration-affected students may face, provides tools and knowledge to help students understand their rights, and offers direct assistance to those impacted by U.S. immigration policies.

For support as a DACAmented, undocumented, or mixed-status student:

Services & Support: Dr. Jacki Black, Vice President for Equity and Student Success
Admissions & Financial Aid: Office of Admissions

Support for Bias Incidents

Edgewood University defines bias incidents as non-criminal acts directed at individuals or groups based on actual or perceived identities, such as race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, disability, age, citizenship status, documentation status, veteran status, or another identity status protected federally or by university policy.

The university takes incidents of hate and bias seriously. Members of the Bias Assessment Team (BAT) are trained to respond to reports, provide support, and address incidents of bias. All members of our campus community are encouraged to report bias incidents to support a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning and working environment.

Learn more about reporting a bias incident and the role of the Bias Assessment Team.

Looking for Additional Support or Ways to Get Involved?

The Dean of Students Office, part of the Division of Student Development, is a central hub for student support, connection, and engagement at Edgewood University. Whether you’re looking for DEI-related resources, a sense of belonging, or opportunities to get involved on campus, this team can help connect you with the right people and best programs.

Explore campus organizations, events, and leadership opportunities on Edgewood Presence.
Access support services and student-focused resources through the Dean of Students Office.

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