The University of Iowa has a long history and commitment to building a diverse campus community. When The University first opened to students in 1855, it became the first college in the country to admit men and women on an equal basis. Three decades later, Iowa was the first U.S. college to grant a law degree to an African American. Despite these firsts, the University is currently less diverse in terms of minority representation than our administration, faculty, and students would like it to be.

In recent years,the importance of a diverse campus has become one of the University's top institutional goals. Our campus is not as diverse as it needs to be, and programs like Opportunity Iowa are part of a renewed effort to attract a diverse population.

The Value of Diversity

In the University's most recent strategic plan, diversity is detailed as one of the University's five primary goals for the next five years.

Diversity, broadly defined, is essential to the educational experience and central to all parts of the University’s mission. A diverse learning environment—particularly one that has achieved a “critical mass” of underrepresented individuals—helps members of the University community to challenge stereotypes and develop complex critical thinking skills.. (from The Iowa Promise: A Strategic Plan for The University of Iowa, 2005-2010)

Through a number of programs, including Opportunity at Iowa, The University of Iowa is seeking to bring into the campus community students, faculty, and staff from diverse and under-represented communities who wish to participate in the continued growth and enrichment of a diverse academic community.

Student Organizations

The UI has literally hundreds of student organizations and clubs, many of which focus on specific groups or affiliations. The list below contains just some of the various diversity-related student groups currently on campus.

African Students Organization
American Indian Science and Engineering Society
American Indian Student Association
American Sign Language Club
Amnesty International
Asian American Law Student Association
Friendship Association of Chinese Students & Scholars
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Union
General Union of Palestine Students
Hispanic Society
Hong Kong Student Association
India Student Association
Indian Cultural Association
Korean Student Association
Latin American Dance Club
National Association of Black Journalists
Opportunity at Iowa Ambassadors
Organization of Women Law Students & Staff
Persian Student Organization
Society of Women Engineers
Society of Black Graduate & Professional Students
Taiwanese Student Association
Thai Student Association
Turkish Student Association
Venezuelan Student Association
Vietnamese Student Organization
Voices of Soul
Women in Business
Women in Computer Science
Women in Science and Engineering

Complete List of Student Organizations

Cultural Centers

The University of Iowa has established three cultural centers to provide resources and gather points for specific ethnic and minority groups.

Afro-American Cultural Center (map)
Asian Pacific American Cultural Center (map)
Latino-Native American Cultural Center (map)

Spiritual and Religious Organizations

The concept of diversity at The University of Iowa extends beyond race and ethnicity. We recognize that a diversity in beliefs is of great value to to campus and community, and efforts are extended to support the exploration and expression of spiritual, religious, and philosophical beliefs.

Resources for Students Seeking Religious or Spiritual Support

Fraternities and Sororities

Among The University of Iowa's Greek organizations are four traditionally African American fraternities, three traditionally African American sororities, and a fraternity and sorority for Latino(a) students. In addition, National Pan-Hellenic Council, a coordinating body for African American Greek organizations, is represented on campus.

Historically Black Fraternities
Alpha Phi Alpha
Kappa Alpha Psi
Omega Psi Phi
Phi Beta Sigma

Historically Black Sororities
Alpha Kappa Alpha
Delta Sigma Theta
Sigma Gamma Rho

Historically Latino(a)/Hispanic Fraternities
Sigma Lambda Beta

Historically Latino(a)/Hispanic Sororities
Sigma Lambda Gamma

Faculty and Staff Diversity Organizations

The University faculty and staff work through a range of organizations to build bridges that increase awareness and understanding of diversity in our community.

African American Council
Asian American Coalition
Associated University Women
Charter Committee on Diversity
Council on Disability Awareness
Council on the Status of Latinos
Council on the Status of Women
Human Rights Committee
Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Staff & Faculty Association

More on Diversity

For more information about diversity resources and activities on the University of Iowa campus, see the University diversity resources page.

University Diversity Resources
Undergraduate Admissions
Graduate and Professional Admissions
Cedar Rapids Iowa City Corridor Multicultural Resource Guide