InterCultural Student Initiatives

At InterCultural Student Initiatives, our mission is to address the educational needs of our multicultural campus by fostering connection, collaboration, and community. We are committed to empowering and enhancing the campus experience while promoting success for each student.

Through our work, we actively advance these core principles:

Building Social Understanding

We foster meaningful connections and promote open dialogue to deepen our understanding of one another. By exploring the ways government, finance, relationships, and popular culture shape our worldviews, we encourage students to reflect on how these influences affect their ability to thrive within communities and grow collectively.

Expanding Cultural Awareness

We prioritize developing a knowledge-based understanding and respect for the differences that exist between people across various communities, neighborhoods, and countries. This journey encourages students to embrace diversity as a strength and see the world through a broader lens.

Fostering Unity

Unity is at the heart of everything we do. By bringing people together in collaborative efforts, we aim to promote principles that drive constructive change and collective success, ensuring every voice is heard and valued.

Promoting Intentional Belonging

The reality of knowing that you are respected, valued and accepted with access and equity in whatever environment you live, learn, grow and develop in.

Support for Students

First Generation Students

Monthly meetings designed to support and empower first-generation students on their path to success.

Inclusive Excellence Peer Mentoring Program (IEPM)

IEPM pairs first-year students with experienced mentors to promote academic success and personal growth.

Latino Student Initiatives (LSI)

LSI enhances the academic journey, fostering awareness of cultural identity, and expanding leadership opportunities for Latino students.

Undocumented Student Resources

Resources to provide support and assistance for students and the community, regardless of immigration status.

two male and two female students walking on campus in front of a building

The Hub

Located in the Student Services Center, Room 1138, the Hub is a space dedicated to celebrating, recognizing and supporting every student at College of DuPage. It provides a welcoming environment where students can gather, share experiences, learn about different traditions and build a sense of belonging. The Hub offers resources and programming that reinforce ISI's Four Tenets while helping establish the College as a place of teaching and learning for everyone.

Hub programming includes, but is not limited to:

Hub Chats: Students create discussion topics and lead conversations to share ideas, perspectives, opinions and words of encouragement.
Open Space: Students gather each week for intentional, supportive discussions where they can share experiences, listen to others and build connections. All College of DuPage students are welcome.
Collaborative Events: The Hub partners with faculty, staff and students to host impactful, campuswide programming. Together, they build community, support classroom learning and create engaging events that enrich the student experience.

InterCultural Programming

Celebrating Cultural Heritage: Throughout the year, InterCultural Student Initiatives hosts events, guest speakers and collaborative workshops in recognition of America's annual Cultural Heritage Months. These programs invite the College community to explore the histories, traditions and contributions that shape our global society. They also provide opportunities for students to promote cultural awareness, celebrate diverse perspectives and build meaningful connections.

The ISI Gallery: Located on the first floor of the Student Resource Center, across from the Bookstore, the ISI Gallery showcases exhibits that highlight diverse perspectives through visual media. Each exhibit offers an opportunity to learn, reflect and engage with stories that shape culture. Students are also encouraged to create and display their own visual exhibits, sharing their experiences and perspectives with the College community.

male and female students posing near a poster

Black Student Initiative (BSI)

The Black Student Initiative (BSI) advocates for and supports College of DuPage students who identify as Black, African or African American. Through regular meetings, intentional programming, mentorship and targeted resources, BSI enhances the student experience while promoting academic success and student retention. The initiative also partners with Student Life, Academic and Student Affairs, and Admissions and Outreach to foster campuswide engagement and strengthen the College community.