Inclusion on Campus

By Purdue WIEP - December 06, 2021

Being a new student on any campus can be scary, but Purdue has made it a priority to make sure all students feel comfortable and heard. I will let you guys in on all the awesome ways Purdue has given their students a voice and how you can be a part of it next year when you are a student here!

Purdue's Five Cultural Centers

Asian American and Asian Resource and Cultural Center

The AAARCC was established in April of 2015 to continue preserving the diversity on Purdue’s campus. They continue to spread awareness for the Asian community and hold numerous events every year to bring the campus together and discuss ways to improve inclusion and diversity on campus.

Lunar Year Celebration in 2020 hosted by AAARC

More can be found about AAARCC on their website: Asian American and Asian Resource and Cultural Center - Purdue University

Black Cultural Center

The Black Cultural Center has given the students at Purdue an outlet for “purposeful, holistic, scholarly and co curricular programming” that was designed to spread knowledge of African American heritage. Students are given the opportunity to be a part of their performing arts ensemble, cultural lessons and art series, as well as the ability to study in their library or reserve one of their rooms.

More can be found about the Black Cultural Center on their website: Black Cultural Center - Black Cultural Center - Purdue University

Latino Cultural Center

The Latino Cultural Center is an inclusive community on campus that aims to foster the culture that makes up latinx culture. They have over twelve private and National Latinx-based scholarships that range from economical to educational based and are flexible for all students looking to apply. On top of the scholarship opportunities they have, they also offer countless opportunities to be a part of their community. You do not need to be part of the latinx community to participate.

More can be found about the Latinx Cultural Center on their website: Latino Cultural Center - Latino Cultural Center - Purdue University

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Center

The LGBTQ center was developed in 2012 to celebrate Purdue’s history in the community and the future of LGBTQ+ inclusion on campus. They provide many events to involve students on campus to explore their history and their efforts to bring more inclusion on campus for the LGBTQ+ community. Some of the opportunities they provide are Sex, History, and the Cities study abroad program that is a six week long experience that is worth six credit hours. You can also get a LGBT studies minor if the history of this community interests you!

More can be found about the LGBTQ center on their website: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Center - Purdue University

Native American Educational and Cultural Center

The NAECC was established in 2007 with a mission in mind to provide students with opportunities to learn more about indigenous culture. It is a home for students coming from Native American descent that are looking for a way to learn more about their culture as well as students who would like to just learn more about the indigenous culture.

They also have 4 student organizations, one being AISES (American Indian Science and Engineering Society). They are a non-profit with a mission to increase representation of American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, First Nations, and other Indigenous peoples of North America in STEM related majors and careers.

More can be found about NAECC on their website: Native American Educational and Cultural Center - Purdue University.

More can be found about AISES on the previous website and on their national website: AISES.

Women in Engineering Program

WIEP was created in 1969 and was actually the first organization in the nation with the mission in mind of increasing the percentage of women in Purdue’s College of Engineering. Through their hard work, the College of Engineering has granted more than 10,000 Engineering degrees to women across the world.

Purdue - Alpha Chart: Phi Sigma Rho

Phi Sigma Rho is a sorority on campus that was founded by a sisterhood of women pursuing Engineering. They aim to cultivate a safe and welcoming environment for female students pursuing similar rigorous majors to create long-lasting friendships. This sorority is like any other on campus, however, their mission is to unify women in STEM on top of making college an enjoyable experience.

If you are interested in learning more about Phi sigma Rho, visit their website: Phi Sigma Rho - Together we build the future.

Purdue’s Society of Women Engineers

PSWE is another great way to stay connected with the women on campus who are also pursuing Engineering. PSWE is composed of over 600 men and women and hosts over fifty events every year focusing on professional development, outreach, technical advancement, and socials. They provide over 50,000 scholarships each year and also participate in Purdue’s Grand Prix with two annual karts per year.

More can be found about PSWE on their website: Home | Purdue SWE

WIEP Mentees and Mentors

M&M is a great way for female undergraduate students in Engineering to develop their own set of tools to build confidence in their field and to excel in the college of Engineering. First year students can start this program right away. Through the M&M program, you can easily grow your network, meet some new friends, and gain a mentor all at the same time.