In support of two strategic themes, Globalization and Diversity and Inclusive Culture, the University of St. Thomas joined the Diversity Abroad Network as a member in January 2016.
The Diversity Abroad Network is the leading professional consortium dedicated to advancing diversity and inclusive practices in study abroad. This membership will grant St. Thomas access to new resources, support the increasing number of diverse students studying abroad and also improve the overall quality of the student experience.
The Office of Study Abroad will begin integrating these resources into the pre-departure process for all students studying abroad.
“Our goal is to assist not only students from diverse backgrounds as they prepare for an immersive experience abroad but also help prepare all St. Thomas students to be allies to one another as they navigate a new culture,” said Emerald Tribuno, marketing manager for the Office of Study Abroad.
The Diversity Abroad Network provides tools that address race and ethnicity, students with disabilities, religious diversity, and gender and sexual orientation. The student-facing side (Diversity Abroad) allows students to search for programs and resources directly. The institutional-facing side offers the following benefits:
- Student Advising Guides
- Country Diversity Climate Notes
- Access to the Resource Library
- Members-only webinars
- Conference discounts
- Student scholarships for summer programs
- The Access, Inclusion and Diversity (AID) Evaluation – a comprehensive institutional assessment tool
- Grant opportunities for staff and faculty committed to discovering innovative ways to increase enrollment of non-traditional students in study abroad programs
As a Diversity Abroad Network member, St. Thomas joins over 150 other colleges and universities (including, in Minnesota, Macalester College, Augsburg College, the University of Minnesota, the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University and Gustavus Adolphus College).
Staff and faculty who would like to gain access to membership resources should contact Tribuno.