Diversity and Inclusion
“As people of all backgrounds, we embrace diversity and challenge one another to learn in community, to discern our callings, and to serve with distinction for the common good.” –Luther College Mission Statement
At Luther, we believe diversity is essential to learning. It stimulates new questions and perspectives by challenging accustomed ways of thinking and responding. Students with experiences in a diverse learning environment will be better prepared to respond to challenges and adversity.
Center for Intercultural Engagement and Support (CIES)
The Center for Intercultural Engagement and Support is a student-centered office focusing on student engagement and success. It builds intercultural relationships and guides students towards self-agency for their futures.
CIES creates opportunities that enrich our campus climate and learning environment. The Center helps to inform the campus about pertinent issues and helps our community build skills in:
- Constructive dialogue
- Conflict resolution
- Intercultural competence
- Leadership
The Center works with student identity and interest groups to promote inter and intra-group collaboration and understanding.
LGBTQIA+ Life and Resources
Luther values a campus environment in which students feel safe both inside and outside of the classroom as well as the local community.
Our goal is to ensure the advancement of your academic pursuits by creating an open and affirming environment void of homophobia, heterosexism, cissexism, transphobia, and gender bias. We work on this through programming, partnerships, and collaboration.
Initiatives
Designed to help first-generation and income-eligible Luther students adjust to, thrive in, and graduate from college.
International students are paired with a Decorah individual or family to promote international understanding and friendship.
Inclusive Teaching
Luther College commits to fostering inclusive teaching so that we can support all members of our community in their efforts to be engaged with diversity, committed to equity, and focused on inclusiveness.
Inclusive teaching uses course design, teaching strategies, and assessments of student learning to help you master skills that involve communicating across differences in opinions, viewpoints, aspirations, perspectives, and learning styles. We want all our classrooms to foster a sense of belonging for everyone, even as you explore difficult topics.
Disability Services
Need accommodations? Disability Services provides access to an equitable educational experience for all students. We are committed to helping students manage their disabilities through academic, dining, and housing accommodations, supported by inclusive institutional policies.
Meet Dr. Robert Clay, Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer
“I’m most excited about building upon the rich heritage of Luther College by developing innovative practices, policies, procedures and programs utilizing best practices through an equity-mindedness lens that will help further the college’s mission.”
