Welcome from Liz Mendez-Shannon, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Welcome from Liz Mendez-Shannon, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We invite you to explore how the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) fosters a sense of community through our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Please navigate this page to learn how our college is actively promoting an inclusive environment and strives to build a stronger infrastructure for creating a vibrant community.

Resources

Student cultural houses

The Afro House is a safe space for Black students, where they can feel welcomed and at home.

Afro House-advised student groups

Asian Pacific American Cultural Center (APACC) is a space for affirming and healing student identities affiliated with the center, and a space for fellowship and community building.

Latin Native American Cultural Center (LNACC) fosters a sense of belonging, where students can authentically engage with their personal, academic, cultural, emotional, and spiritual identities in a safe, trusting, loving, non-competitive, non-judgmental, yet challenging space.

Pride House supports student success and holistic wellness by providing a nurturing and affirming space for our LGBTQ students.

DEI events

Digital Accessibility Summer Camp: Seven Core Skills for Accessible Digital Technology

Tuesday, July 16, 2024 10:00am to 11:30am
Virtual
Chances are, you already know most or all of the Seven Core Skills. Come learn how they apply to digital accessibility!
Discover Study Abroad-Summer 2024 promotional image

Discover Study Abroad-Summer 2024

Tuesday, July 16, 2024 12:30pm to 1:00pm
Virtual
Would you like to study abroad during your time at the University of Iowa, but don't know where to start? Attend our weekly Virtual Discover Study Abroad info sessions to learn how study abroad works and find the right international opportunity for you!
Discover Study Abroad-Summer 2024 promotional image

Discover Study Abroad-Summer 2024

Tuesday, July 23, 2024 12:30pm to 1:00pm
Virtual
Would you like to study abroad during your time at the University of Iowa, but don't know where to start? Attend our weekly Virtual Discover Study Abroad info sessions to learn how study abroad works and find the right international opportunity for you!
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DEI news

An update on CLAS DEI initiatives

Friday, December 15, 2023
Take a moment to review some of the DEI initiatives happening in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences including the action plan, working groups, funding, and more.

CLAS staff honored during 2023 recognition celebration and awards ceremony

Tuesday, June 20, 2023
CLAS staff members were recognized with Staff Leadership, Professional Development, Staff Excellence Awards, and DEI awards.

Creating space at the table

Thursday, December 15, 2022
Sara Sanders, Liz Mendez-Shannon, and Liz Tovar gathered to discuss unity and belonging—and how these spaces can help the college make progress on DEI issues.