Diversity at TU

frisbee gameFostering Multiculturalism Across Campus

The University of Tulsa is committed to the philosophy that its student population should reflect the diversity of the nation. Our diverse student body is a key part of our vibrant, progressive campus community. We understand that cultural pluralism is a fact of life, not only on our campus, but throughout society. And we value the variety of perspectives that diversity brings to The University of Tulsa.

john thao

Thailand CIEE Program with John Thao

John Thao, a University of Tulsa student from Owasso, Oklahoma, studied with the Council for International Educational Exchange (CIEE) in Khon Kaen, Thailand in the Spring 2008.

He labeled his experience as “alternative education,” but packed into that phrase is a semester of learning and service.

Instead of traditional classroom-style learning, the students in the CIEE program read articles about government policies and then used information to research the effects of these policies. This research happened while the American students lived with Thai villagers, getting to know them through helping with farm work, fishing, gardening, and sharing stories. In addition, in each village, the Americans, with the help of their Thai professors, who acted as interpreters, set up discussion sessions so that the villagers could voice their opinions about governmental procedures that affected their daily lives.

While Thao and the other American students were learning about promoting the villagers’ human rights, they also learned life lessons from them. Thao said that the villagers were instantly hospitable, that they were “amazing, loving, like my second family. They accepted me as if I were their son,” he said.

As part of his desire to promote such life-changing cultural experiences for young people, after he graduates from TU, Thao hopes to use a Fulbright grant to travel back to Thailand to promote alternative education by doing research and working with primary school teachers in Thailand. “We will not be here forever, and so, one way to leave something behind is to teach the ones who will be taking our place,” he says.

Multicultural awareness is integrated into the academic curriculum and campus activities. The Multicultural Awareness Committee (MAC) is comprised of student representatives from various multicultural organizations. The student-run committee serves as an umbrella organization providing programming, networking and support for various multicultural organizations that promote cultural awareness on campus as well as the community. A few of the major programs annually sponsored or cosponsored are: Dr. Martin Luther King Lecture, which has featured keynote speakers such as:

  • Maya Angelou, poet, actress, educator (2003)
  • Bill Russell, Basketball Hall of Fame and motivational speaker (2002)
  • James Earl Jones, acclaimed actor (2001)
  • Tony Brown, syndicated journalist and TV personality (2000)
  • Dick Gregory, activist, actor and writer
  • Juan Williams, journalist

Other events that highlight TU's celebration of diversity include:

  • The annual candlelight parade and vigil honoring MLK's birthday, symbolically lights the path to improved race relations.
  • Multicultural Week in April — Each multicultural organization hosts events throughout this week-long celebration. You can sample cuisine from around the world and enjoy games from various cultures.
  • Folklorico — From enjoying paella to dancing the night away to a salsa beat, this celebration of Spanish and Latin American culture is always a huge hit on campus.
  • American Indian Cultural Society Annual Pow-Wow — Exquisite beadwork. Elaborate headdresses. Intricate drum beats. Ancient symbols of America's indigenous people. This celebration hosted by TU's Native American Student Association is a true learning experience.
  • Annual Diversity Leadership Panel — Once a year, representatives from each minority and international group convene to discuss a variety of issues affecting multicultural students — from recruitment to bridging the gap with majority students.
  • Asian Festival — The 120 foot-long silky star of the Dragon Dance will swish and swirl its way into your memories. Just one of the highlights of this annual festival that presents highlights from many Asian cultures.
  • African American Greek Picnic — Stomp! doesn't hold a hat to the precision of stomp dances perfected by Black Greek organizations. Learn a few new routines when African American sororities and fraternities join for this springtime event.

TU Multicultural Organizations

Asian GirlsA number of multicultural student organizations on campus provide cultural enrichment, information, assistance, and support to international and minority students for successful completion of graduate studies and provide forums for discussing relevant issues with other students and faculty.

These groups educate the campus and provide cultural support for African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, Latin American, Middle Eastern American and Native American, as well as international students at TU.

Food bazaars and festivals are among the most popular events sponsored by these groups, which also host a variety of symposiums, lectures and guest speakers throughout the academic year.

TU Multicultural Organizations

  • American Indian Cultural Society
  • Angolan Student Association
  • Asian American Student Association
  • Association of Black Collegians
  • Association of International Students
  • Black Law Student Association
  • Chinese Student Association
  • Hillel Jewish Student Organization
  • Hispanic Law Student Association
  • Indian Student Association
  • Indonesian Student Association
  • Korean Student Association
  • Latin American & Hispanic Student Assoc.
  • Malaysian Student Association
  • Muslim Student Association
  • National Association of Black Accountants
  • Native American Law Student Society
  • Persian Student Association
  • Saudi Student Association
  • Turkish Student Association
  • Vietnamese Student Association