At the University Counseling Center, we value the diversity of our staff and student population. We see diversity and culture as broad and inclusive, and therefore representing the many social and cultural groups in our society. Our staff members are actively involved in a range of diversity programs on campus. We understand that some students might be hesitant to come to counseling out of concern of being misunderstood or judged because of their identity or beliefs. We strive to create a safe and affirming climate where students can feel comfortable exploring the importance of their identity and life experiences with regard to diversity and how this might relate to the questions and issues students would like to address in counseling.

As our campus and community are becoming increasingly diverse, we seek to provide services that reflect our multicultural awareness. We continuously work to follow the multicultural guidelines and standards provided by the professional organizations in which many of us are members, including the American Psychological Association and National Association of Social Workers.

Our clients with diverse backgrounds often come to see us for a wide range of questions and issues. Client concerns might include:

• Discrimination
• Isolation as a member of a minority group on campus
• Adjustment to new and unique cultural and social customs
• Separation from family and friends
• Language and communication with other students and faculty

We invite students to schedule a time to visit with us to talk about these or any other concerns you. In addition to our services, we also work closely with other centers and programs on campus, and we can work with students to identify additional campus and community resources that could be helpful and affirm their identity as a multicultural individual. Some of these resources include Safe Zone, the International Center, the Student Disability Resource Center, and the Office of Multicultural Affairs.