Diversity Leadership Program

What is the Diversity Leadership Program?

The Diversity Leadership Program is a new mentoring program for students of color, first generation college students, students who identify as LGBTQ and other underrepresented first year students (freshman or transfer) at RWU. The program is committed to fostering an inclusive learning community that emphasizes the connection and support that can positively impact underrepresented students’ success in college. The Diversity Leadership Program will focus on strengthening the diversity community at RWU through mentorship, relationship-building, ally development and extensive leadership development.

Diversity Leaders will be among the first to welcome underrepresented students who self-select to be a mentee in the Diversity Leadership Program (those who do not self-select into the program will be assigned a student advocate, similar to all freshman). Before they join the larger student body, students will have a chance to form relationships with student leaders who have successfully navigated their first year (or more) at RWU. For many students, especially those from urban communities, this may be the first time that they are in a setting where they are the “minority”. It is our hope that this program will help to cultivate a sense of community very early on for underrepresented first year students.

Diversity Leaders will be trained in:

• how to be diversity allies on campus and beyond
• providing leadership and mentorship to first-year students from underrepresented groups
• serving as resources to the larger RWU community as it relates to diversity and social justice
• problem solving, interpersonal communication skills and goal-setting
• addressing common crises that students face in this age group and how/where to make referrals on campus

Why should I be part of the Diversity Leadership Program?

All incoming freshman and first-year transfer students are automatically paired with a student advocate. Students who elect to have a Diversity Leader student advocate will:

• receive one-on-one mentoring from an experienced student leader who is passionate about social justice
• particpate in leadership development around issues of diversity and social justice
• attend social events and outings with the Diversity Leadership program family
• connect with other students who are from diverse backgrounds
• have an extensive support network of peers, mentors and adults to make your transition from home to college as successful as possible

Are you interested in being mentored by a Diversity Leader? Please contact Candice De Los Reyes for more information at cdelosreyes@rwu.edu or (401) 254-3894.