No matter where you were born, who you love, what language you speak, or if you’re the first member of your family to go to college, we want you to thrive here and embrace your unique identity.
Celebrate Your Identity
You are a vital part of our campus community. We believe that your race, ethnicity, cultural, spiritual or religious beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, and abilities contribute to your own sense of self. The Office of Intercultural Engagement helps students from underrepresented and marginalized identities and backgrounds cultivate and celebrate their identities, promote solidarity within shared experiences, build networks of allyship, and foster intercultural education.
Scholarships and Funding Opportunities
You may be eligible for a scholarship or funding based on your background or identity, including the Multicultural Programming Fund for programs and activities that promote cultural or identity understanding, the LGBT Scholarship for students who have demonstrated leadership in the LGBTQIA+ community, the LUCE Leadership Scholarship for students who are immigrants regardless of documentation status, and the Black Student Union “One More” Scholarship, among others.
Resources for LGBTQ+ Students
The Office for Intercultural Engagement is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all members of the LGBTQ+ community through the Gender and Queer Studies program, the Prism student organization, Wetlands Magazine, and the Lavender Graduates program.
Resources for Transgender Students
Puget Sound welcomes transgender students and offers resources to support their academic journey including the Prism student group; medical support through Counseling, Health, and Wellness Services; all-gender restrooms; and gender-inclusive housing options.
Celebrations and Commemorations
Each year, we seek to educate and engage the campus community through our Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration inspiring students to continue the fight for civil rights, the Japanese American Internment Commemoration honoring the Americans of Japanese descent who were incarcerated during World War II—including 36 Puget Sound students, and special Commencement Weekend celebrations for our first-generation graduates, graduates of color, and Lavender graduates.
Campus Events
As part of our work to encourage intercultural understanding, we also host events featuring speakers, performances, and conversations to elevate the discussion of diversity and inclusion n campus.
Student Diversity and Social Justice Centers
The Student Diversity and Social Justice Centers (SDC and SJC) support student success through programs and shared spaces that bring awareness to, honor, and uplift all students’ identities, but especially those who identify as historically underrepresented. In addition to communal space and collaboration opportunities, the SDC also houses a textbook lending library and food pantry.