Diversity and Inclusion

Colgate strives to be an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment for all students, faculty, staff, and others in our extended community.

Students have many opportunities to connect and build community across different experiences, identities, and backgrounds. You will be empowered to embrace everything you have in common with your classmates and professors — and all that makes you one of a kind.

Spaces

Colgate’s campus has a variety of spaces for people to gather and learn. These spaces are open, and the entire campus community is always welcome.

Colgate Memorial Chapel on a sunny day
ALANA Cultural Center

A professionally staffed organization and space that supports inclusive multicultural programs and initiatives, fostering an appreciation of culture. ALANA’s student ambassadors represent more than 50 active and diverse student organizations and clubs.

ALANA Cultural Center

Center for Women’s Studies

A multipurpose gathering space where students explore topics of gender, sexuality, and identity — where they consider how identity, advocacy, and choice come together to help all voices be heard.

Center for Women's Studies

The Rainbow Room

An inclusive space where LGBTQ+ students and allies can socialize, host events, study, and relax together in community.

Saperstein Jewish Center

One of the many spaces on campus for Jewish students to study, worship, and celebrate culture. This dynamic space hosts Friday night Shabbat services, Sunday morning bagel brunches, high holidays, and other informal programs with a kosher kitchen and plenty of lounging space.

Memorial Chapel

Central to religious life on campus and home to the Office of the Chaplains. The Chapel supports Catholic Mass, University Church worship, Jum’ah, weekly morning reflections, Heretics Lunches, and other interfaith programs.

Scenes from ALANAPalooza
Scenes from ALANAPalooza

Student Clubs and Organizations

Explore student-led cultural and identity-based clubs and organizations who host some of the University’s most popular events.

Communities

Colgate provides additional dedicated staff support and programming to ensure academic success and well-being.

International students play ice breaker games

International Community

The Office of International Student Services provides support as students adjust to the United States and navigate immigration requirements.

Prayer candles lit
A Diwali offering in James C Colgate

Religious Communities

Through the Office of the Chaplains, students engage with a vibrant and diverse religious and spiritual community open to faculty, students, and staff of any faith, interfaith, those questioning faith, and those with no faith practices at all.

A pride flag

LGBTQ+ Community

Colgate’s LGBTQ+ Initiatives office supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and allies through education, advocacy, and programs.

Students snowshoeing on campus

First-Generation Community

The First@Colgate Program provides guidance in navigating college life and making the most of the available opportunities.

A band performs outside of a residential theme house

Theme Living Communities

Colgate’s cultural and identity-based living and learning communities offer juniors and seniors the opportunity to live together in a house on Broad Street, connecting through shared experiences and providing social opportunities for the campus.

The Plan for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Colgate’s vision for its third century makes clear that improved diversity, equity, and inclusion are absolutely necessary if the University is to achieve its ambitions. The Plan for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion presents a framework for moving the work of creating an inclusive campus forward and engaging the Colgate community in these efforts in the years ahead.

Read the plan