Diversity & Inclusion | Heidelberg University

Heidelberg University strives to create educational opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to cultivate a more inclusive environment that nurtures the intellectual, personal, and professional development of underrepresented groups on Heidelberg’s campus, including those historically oppressed and marginalized students because of race, socioeconomic status, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, ethnicity, sexual identity, creed, culture, religion, and disability. We want all members of our community to feel a sense of belonging and participate actively in their curricular and co-curricular learning, including campus and community organizations, leadership opportunities, and intercultural experiences.

Multicultural Student Affairs Office

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs seeks to educate and empower the campus community to create a more just world that values knowledge, inter-sectional inclusion, and equity. By partnering with offices and student groups across campus, the OMSA gives students the opportunity to immerse themselves in different cultures to learn more about identity and the resources available to enhance their holistic development.

Follow OMSA on Twitter at @Heidelberg_OMSA.

Preferred Names

Heidelberg recognizes that some student may choose to identify themselves within the university community with name that differs from their legal name. Through our Institutionally Recognized Name policy, you can use a preferred name whenever possible, including your email, student ID, class rosters, and student portal.

Gender-Neutral Housing

Talmage Hall provided interested students with a gender-neutral living space. Students who choose to live in gender-neutral housing agree to share a bedroom, common space, and restroom facilities regardless of students' sex or gender. This provides options for a variety of students; those who feel uncomfortable rooming with members of the same sex or gender, transgender students in the process of discovering their gender identity, or students who feel they would be more compatible with a roommate of a different sex or gender.

R.I.S.E. Mentor Program

The Reaffirming Identity Through Scholarly Enrichment Mentoring Program provides support to first year domestic students of color (Asian, Hispanic, Black, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and Multiracial). Participants will be matched with a peer mentor, attend social and academic programming, have opportunities to attend off campus trips, and more!

Ubuntu House

The Ubuntu Black Cultural House was established in Fall 2017 and serves as a meeting and social space for African American students. The house offers living space to students who are passionate about providing social and educational programming, with a focus on the Black identity to the campus community. Ubuntu means, “I am; because of you.”

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

The DEIC encourages Heidelberg University to become more welcoming and more vibrant for all persons, preparing all community members for global citizenship, by deepening their appreciation for diversity and by promoting multicultural awareness through intentional educational, cultural and policy changes.

Explore Diversity in the Classroom

In addition to Heidelberg's Women's and Gender Studies minor, you're able to explore different areas of diversity through classes such as:

• Multicultural Literature
• Gender Theory
• Video Games, Representation, and Identity
• Human Sexuality
• Psychology of Women and Gender Development
• Multicultural Psychology
• Race, Gender and Sexuality in Theatre and Film

Black Student Union

The Black Student Union at Heidelberg University provides an opportunity for African Americans students and allies to establish a support network on campus. The organization provides social, cultural, and educational programs which are open to the campus community.

Berg Latinx Unidos

The group strives to create a space for Latinx and other supporting students to talk about issues that are unique to the Latinx community, to promote a presence of our culture on the campus through educational events and trips, and to make connections to one another and alumni for support.

Berg Allies

Berg Allies is dedicated to promoting equal rights to all people, regardless of gender, race, sexuality, disability, or age. This group supports and works to create a safe campus environment for all students while focusing on LGBTQ+ rights and activism. Berg Allies is truly about promoting basic human rights to everyone.

Berg Body Positivity Association

The purpose of the Berg Body Positivity Association is to create a supportive and uplifting environment on campus for people of all body types, particularly those people who have been outcasted, bullied, or rejected because of their body type, skin tone, disability, etc.

World Student Union

Blending global cultures in one mixing pot! The purpose of World Student Union is to promote diversity and global understanding through activities that integrate International Students into the academic and social life of Heidelberg and the broader Tiffin community.