Diversity at TU

frisbee gameFostering Multiculturalism Across Campus

Multicultural awareness is integrated into the academic curriculum and campus activities. The University of Tulsa offers a number of Certificate programs focused on issues and topics of diversity and multicultural awareness. Through the University’s focus on Internationalization, the number of students studying abroad each year is rapidly growing. The University also offers a number of ongoing programs and resources throughout the year.

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.

The Multicultural Resource Center (MRC) located in the Holmes Student Center was created in 2008 in an effort to address the growing multicultural student population and their needs. The MRC has a number of purposes:

  • Provide space for small groups to meet
  • Provide space for individuals and groups to study, relax, work on projects
  • Be a resource for current and prospective students

The MRC has a computer and printer, a growing library of books, a large table for meeting and project space, and comfortable couches/chairs to relax. There is also space for student groups to store files and papers. The MRC also has brochures and informational fliers on our multicultural student groups on campus, certificate programs offered at TU, study abroad information, and resources on internships and scholarships.

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.
  • Law School Powwow—Exquisite beadwork. Elaborate headdresses. Intricate drum beats. Ancient symbols of America's indigenous people. This celebration is hosted by the TU Law School.
  • Annual Diversity Leadership Panel — Once a year, representatives from various minority student organizations and departments on campus discuss a variety of issues affecting multicultural students and the campus as a whole — from recruitment to bridging the gap with majority students. This event is sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
  • 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.
  • Multicultural Compass (MC)—MC is a supplement New Student Orientation, building a foundation of peer support that will help multicultural students more easily transition into the college environment. New students and their families are acquainted with current multicultural students, faculty and staff, and establish useful networking relationships.
  • Steppin’ Outside the Lines –Often the gap between traditionally White Greek organizations and traditionally Black organizations can be broad. Steppin’ Outside the Lines is an annual step show, featuring joint stomp dances between IFC/NPC and NPHC groups. Competition is high and excitement is in the air! 
  • International Dinner – Dancing, singing, and comedy will surround you as you enjoy an evening filled with international cuisine and entertainment. Join the international students for an opportunity to bridge culutral gaps and learn more about the many cultures represented at TU. This event is put on by the Association of International Students.

Other ongoing programs include:

  • Cultural Connections and Cultural Reflections—This monthly program focuses on a topic relevant to TU students and cultural diversity. Join us for Cultural Connections to learn about an important issue, why it applies to our students here, and what to do with the newfound information. Cultural Reflections occurs on the Monday following the Connections event and will focus on a sub-topic, offer resources to become more involved, and address issues of power, privilege, and/or oppression relating to the topic.
  • Leaders Incorporated – LINC is a peer-mentoring program geared toward minority students. Incoming freshmen are paired with upperclassmen and a faculty mentor. Pairs are encouraged to meet 4 hours/week in social, academic, and personal growth environments. There is a strong focus on community service, as LINC pairs mentor students at a local middle school once a week. Mentors may receive college credit for their participation.
  • Safe Zone – This program offers education, information, and resources on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered, and Questioning (“GLBT”) individuals. It also offers training and resources to help individuals learn how to better interact with those who identify as GLBT and how to be an ally to GLBT individuals. Workshops are 4 hours long and are open to the entire campus community. While successful completion of the Ally training is necessary to become a “TU Ally”, individuals may attend the course solely to learn more about GLBT issues and Ally characteristics.

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.

Multicultural Organizations

  • American Indian Cultural Society
  • Angolan Student Association
  • Asian American Student Association
  • Association of Black Collegians
  • Association of International Students
  • Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgendered Queer Straight Alliance
  • Black Law Student Association
  • Chinese Student Association
  • Ethnic Minorities in Psychology
  • Global Network
  • 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
  • National Society for Black Engineers
  • Native American Law Student Society
  • Persian Student Association
  • Saudi Student Association
  • Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
  • Turkish Student Association