Students Come First

Our Commitment to Students

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion seeks to:

  • Provide active support for the academic, social, emotional adjustment of minority, underrepresented and international students to college life at Westminster.
  • Recruit and retain minority students on campus in conjunction with The Office of Admissions.
  • Present relevant social, artistic and cultural programming to the student body, with the focus on programs that deal specifically with the struggle of minority groups in American culture.
  • Provide travel opportunities that teach minority students about their rich cultural heritage in America. Recent trips have included such destinations as: Detroit, Baltimore, Washington D.C.,Williamsburg and Richmond Virginia.
  • Support and advise various student organizations (see below) as relevant on issues of diversity.

Allies

 
Advisor: Trisha Cowen  (724) 946-6341
cowentm@westminster.edu
 
ALLIES, founded in 1999, is Westminster's gay/straight alliance.  Its first goal is to educate and promote awareness about gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender issues. Secondly, it exists to provide an open, supportive group for discussion of such issues; confidentiality is respected.  Membership is open to all members of the campus community.

Black Student Union

Advisor: Rena C. Zito; 724-946-6302
zitorc@westminster.edu
Established by African-American students, this organization is open to all students who wish to promote an ever increasing awareness of the proud history and contributions of people of African descent to American culture.  Social and charitable functions as well as student leadership training are just a few of the ways this group enhances and educates the campus community.  Membership is open to all members of the student body, regardless of race, creed, age, religion or sex.

Disability Awareness Club

Advisor: Faith Craig; 724-946-7192
craigfa@westminster.edu
The Disability Awareness Club was created to spread awareness of disabilities and their true meaning.  They will strive to dispel stereotypes, separate fact from opinion, and provide information about all disabilities including what they mean and how they are overcome.  Membership is open to all Westminster students.

International Cultures Club

Advisor:  Joel Postema; 724-946-7263
posetmjt@westminster.edu
The International Cultures Club was reorganized during the 2004-2005 academic year.  Its purpose is twofold:  to promote knowledge of languages and cultures of other nations; and to heighten awareness of everything that encompasses cultures of foreign states, including what shapes their policies and decisions towards other nations, in an effort to better understand their worldview.