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Cultural & Diversity Education Programming

Diversity Advocacy provides a number of programs and services to help students flourish academically and socially and to encourage understanding, appreciation, and respect for diversity in the University community. Find out how Diversity Advocacy can help you find your way at Illinois State.

Cultural Calendar

Diversity Advocacy celebrates culture and diversity education throughout the year by hosting a variety of events on campus dedicated to historically underrepresented populations and current issues.

• September 2012 Calendar
• October 2012 Calendar
• November/December 2012 Calendar
• January 2013 Calendar
• February 2013 Calendar
• March 2013 Calendar
• April/ May 2013 Calendar

Fall Kickoff 'Que (fall)

As new students arrive on campus in August during Welcome Week, Diversity Advocacy hosts an annual outdoor barbeque to welcome new students to campus. This free event gives students the opportunity to enjoy food, listen to music, and meet faculty and staff from a wide variety of departments across campus.  Students are introduced to gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender (GLBT) and cultural organizations including historically African-American and multicultural Greek letter sororities and fraternities.  Students also learn about upcoming programs and services provided by Diversity Advocacy and the Dean of Students Office.

Diversity Retreat

Each fall, Diversity Advocacy coordinates a free overnight retreat targeting student from diverse backgrounds and engage them in critical discussions and team-building activities.

The goals of the retreat are to expand students’ understanding of diversity and increase multicultural awareness. Students are led through guided activities, discussion, and reflection on topics such as sexual orientation, race, gender identity, and the concept of privilege. Students learn how to appreciate, celebrate, and participate in the many cultures represented at Illinois State University.

Homecoming Tailgate

Each fall before the homecoming football game, Diversity Advocacy partners with organizations such as Illinois State University Black Colleague Association (Black Alumni Association), the Association of Black Academic Employees (ABAE) and other diverse organizations to enjoy free food and celebrate Illinois State’s homecoming traditions with current students, alumni, friends and family.

Commitment to Diversity Awards (spring)

The Commitment to Diversity Awards recognize students, registered student organizations, faculty, and staff who have demonstrated outstanding curricular and co-curricular programming, service, and research that exemplifies the University's commitment to diversity.

MECCPAC (Multi Ethnic Cultural and Co-Curricular Advisory Committee)

Comprised of Illinois State students, faculty, and staff,  MECCPAC provides funds to support cultural and educational programs that promote diversity and serve the needs of underrepresented members of the Illinois State community.

Registered student organizations and academic departments hosting events that promote diversity education and build cultural awareness and appreciation can apply for funding from MECCPAC for their events. MECCPAC will share financial responsibility to combine resources to promote multicultural programming. MECCPAC meets biweekly to review applications.

T.A.L.K. (Tying All the Links)

TALK (Tying All the Links) is a round table discussion series, held throughout the academic year, focused on the infusion of “pop” culture with current diversity trends prompted by campus, national and global events.  Social networking, YouTube and other current communication forums are used to increase awareness and build collaborations among students.