Current Students and Families

We work to advance Clarkson University’s commitment to respecting & valuing diversity by serving as a resource and liaison for students on issues of equity through education, outreach, and advocacy.

To achieve this mission, the department provides leadership opportunities through the Clarkson Intercultural Ambassador Program, an initiative dedicated to developing the next generation of empathic inclusive leaders. The department also strives to provide a supportive environment for underrepresented students through student organizations and professional societies geared toward their academic and personal development.

The D & I Lounge

Located in the Student Center, the D & I Lounge is home to the Office of Student Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives. The Lounge provides a warm and welcoming environment for community interaction. Open from 8:00am to 4:30pm, the space is utilized for programming, student meetings, group study sessions and even competitive Uno games! The D & I Lounge strives to be a space that promotes intentional student, faculty and staff engagement through both formal and informal educational initiatives.

Students gather together during one of Clarkson's fireside chats.

Student Development

The Office of Student Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives strives to provide a wide range of professional development and leadership opportunities for Clarkson students.

Clarkson Intercultural Ambassadors Program

The Clarkson Intercultural Ambassadors (CIA) program is an initiative run through the Chief Inclusion Office, spearheaded by the Office of Student Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives. The program consists of Clarkson University students devoted to promoting cultural competence and awareness through inclusive ally-building events. The Intercultural Ambassadors program offers a unique approach to education that takes on the form of facilitations, presentations, and workshops intended to cultivate a greater sense of understanding and respect for the elements that make us unique as individuals and groups.

The Intercultural Ambassadors are selected through a competitive application process. Training is immersive, professionally led, and year-long. The program is supervised and managed by the Director and Coordinator of the Office of Student Diversity & Inclusion.

Community Building

Community building is one of the main priorities of The Office of Student Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives. The Office conducts regular trainings and workshops for Residence Life staff, CUSA members and the Greek community.  Collaborative programs also play a large role in community building as departmental representatives are often invited to facilitate student and staff run programs. The D & I Lounge is another central focal point for community building as many student organizations and university departments utilize it as a meeting and programming space.

Professional Societies

Select a dropdown menu below for more information on a professional society:

American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES)

AISES is a national, nonprofit organization focused on substantially increasing the representation of American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, First Nations and other indigenous peoples of North America in STEM studies and careers.

American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES)

Minority Association of Pre-Health Students (MAPS)

The Minority Association of Pre-medical Students (MAPS) represents the undergraduate and postgraduate students of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA). MAPS is committed to supporting current and future underrepresented minority medical students, addressing the needs of underserved communities, and increasing the number of clinically excellent, culturally competent and socially conscious physicians.

Minority Association of Pre-Health Students (MAPS

Society of Asian Scientists & Engineers (SASE)

SASE is dedicated to the advancement of Asian heritage scientists and engineers in education and employment so that they can achieve their full career potential. In addition to professional development, SASE also encourages members to contribute to the enhancement of the communities in which they live. 

Society of Asian Scientists & Engineers (SASE

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)

SHPE is a national organization of professional engineers dedicated to serve as role models in the Hispanic community.   SHPE strives to empower the Hispanic community to realize its fullest potential and to impact the world through STEM awareness, access, support and development.

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE

Society of Women Engineers (SWE)

SWE is a not-for-profit organization that awards multiple scholarships each year to women in undergraduate and graduate STEM degree programs across the world. SWE works to provide opportunities to help promote change for women in STEM fields by organizing networking and professional development opportunities and consistently recognizing the myriad of contributions by women to STEM fields.

Society of Women Engineers (SWE

National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)

With more than 500 chapters and nearly 16,000 active members in the U.S. and abroad, NSBE is one of the largest student-governed organizations based in the United States. NSBE supports and promotes the aspirations of collegiate and pre-collegiate students and technical professionals in engineering and technology.  NSBE’s mission is to increase the number of culturally responsible Black Engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.

National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE

Society of Professional Women (SPW)

SPW is a professional organization created by Clarkson students to provide a platform to address the concerns and opportunities of women and men in professional roles related to their field of study while stimulating members to identify their individual values regarding these roles. The organization is dedicated to providing professional development opportunities for women and to help build stronger allies on campus and beyond.

Society of Professional Women (SPW

Men’s Empowerment Network (MEN)

MEN is a mission based student organization dedicated to providing professional and personal empowerment opportunities for student through programs dedicated to their core values of Trust, Respect, and Communication.

Network of Women (NOW)

NOW is a mission based student organization that strives to provide students with leadership and self-empowerment skills through meaningful programming. NOW is dedicated to increasing community engagement through service and ally building.