Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At Southern, we are committed to identifying and addressing systemic barriers to equity, access, and success for all members of our community. We treat one another with dignity, respect, kindness, compassion, and civility as we share varying perspectives, with the goal of creating an inclusive culture for our students.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Excellence Fund supports the transformational practices, intentional education, and restorative experiences that aid in Southern's commitment to developing a holistic and supportive community. The fund directly supports the Integrated Justice and Social Change Collaborative aims to support three targeted initiatives that create a holistic vision of serving these communities:

• The Integrated Justice and Social Change (IJSC) Collaborative, which connects and bridges individuals, groups, and organizations to dismantle racist and oppressive structures of all kinds that lead to reimagined pathways of success grounded in mutual understanding and an all-inclusive community.
• The Real Talk: Diversity in Higher Ed Podcast that centers its mission to spark conversation by addressing higher education’s role in creating social change.
• Inclusive and Restorative Justice Education Opportunities – Building a community of care must incorporate comprehensive opportunities for inclusive and restorative justice education. The Division aims to bolster targeted opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and administrators to learn and apply the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to enact an environment of cultural humility.

The Monarch Scholarship

The Monarch Scholarship provides funding for undocumented students and conducts proactive outreach to faculty and staff to conduct continuous education regarding specific undocumented student needs at Southern. Additionally, the program is expanding its student support strategy by exploring additional mental health and career education resources.

Sage Center and LBGTQ+ Fund

The SAGE Center is committed to providing a positive academic, cultural, and social environment where the LGBTQ+ community at Southern can learn, grow, and thrive. We help to cultivate inclusion through social and educational programming, advocacy, and support. The SAGE Center LGBTQ+ Fund was created to support Southern students who identify in the LGBTQ+ community to mitigate barriers to their education. Student support through the SAGE Center Fund may include emergency funds for unforeseen circumstances; assistance with basic needs such as food, clothing, or shelter; assistance with gender affirming clothing and accessories; assistance with tuition, fees, or books; small grants for educational and professional development opportunities; programs and initiatives that support student development and success. Supporting LGBTQ+ financially may help to mitigate one or more barriers that may affect one's persistence and supports these students in earning their Southern degree.

Black Student Union (BSU) Emergency Fund

Southern's Black Student Union (BSU) was created to develop an Afro-American consciousness at SCSU, and to support the broadening enhancement of the social and cultural development of students--and in doing so-- promote general welfare of the university and the national community. The BSU Emergency Fund provides emergency assistance to current BSU members who are going through a difficult time financially. Donations provide critically needed support, including assistance with tuition, fees or books, emergency funding due to unforeseen crisis and assistance meeting basic needs such as food, clothing, or shelter.

University Access Programs (UAP) Fund

The UAP Fund aids in the stewardship of key programs and services that increase access and the academic success of first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students in higher education. These programs include:

• Southern Educational Opportunity Program (SEOP)
• New Haven Promise Scholars (NHP)
• Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP)
• Promoting Academically Successful Students (PASS)

UAP works in eight strategic areas to reach its overall goals of increasing enrollment, academic performance, and graduation rates of students from demographic groups historically underrepresented in higher education.