Offering a strategic vision, programming, and support to institutionalize diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts to meet the needs of students, staff, faculty, alumni, and the community, while providing ongoing opportunities for personal growth, professional development, and institutional improvement.
Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
The Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at Viterbo University builds an inclusive community and a supportive environment for all students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
We foster a campus environment that uplifts student diversity, individuals’ diverse identities, lived experiences, and cultural backgrounds while encouraging mutual enrichment, development, intercultural engagement, and understanding.
Serving as a central support service location, the Division focuses on the needs and success of all students, including:
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First-generation college students
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Students in study abroad/away programs
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Students of color
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Multicultural, multiethnic, multilingual, and multireligious students
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LGBTQ+ students
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Differently abled students
DEI Events
DEI events are offered throughout the year and include:
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Keynote speakers on campus
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Film screenings
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Student club and organization activities to increase student diversity
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Opportunities and support for students to develop their own programs
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Campus and community events
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Presenting study abroad/away programs
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Collaborations with other divisions and departments to host events and programs
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National and regional conference hosting and partnerships
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International group visits
DEI Initiatives
DEI initiatives in recent years have included:
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Latinx Initiative
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Viterbo Leads Program in conjunction with the Dahl School of Business
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U.S. Bank Links of Leadership grant program
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Lënster Lycée Luxembourg Student Exchange
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American Association of University Women partnership
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Local nonprofit partnerships
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MLK Day of Learning, Service, and Celebration
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Sr. Thea Bowman Week
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Campus and community training
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International Game Night
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Hispanic Heritage Month Community Celebration
DEI Areas of Focus at Viterbo University
DEI works to create a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment for international students on campus through orientation, educational and cultural programs, and ongoing support, including English as a Second Language (ESL) and English classes. We collaborate with multiple partners on campus and within the greater La Crosse community to provide comprehensive services to meet the needs of our diverse student population, including:
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New International Student Orientation each semester
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Personal and academic assistance through one-on-one sessions
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Educational and social activities on- and off-campus to cultivate a deeper understanding of our diverse cultures
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Ensuring that students with F-1 visas comply with immigration requirements
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Supporting international students’ transition to the U.S.
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Encouraging student persistence, graduation, and entrance into the workforce
Study Abroad Programs
Viterbo students enjoy opportunities to study abroad or away in a full semester or a summer study abroad/away program. Students in study abroad/away programs earn credit toward their major, minor, or core curriculum requirements. Our study abroad/away programs:
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Enhance participants’ global competency and cultural awareness
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Develop respectful understanding in increasingly diverse societies
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Foster global interconnectedness
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Ensure alignment of coursework and internship opportunities abroad/away through campus collaborations
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Collaborate with advising and career development for students looking for domestic or international internships and study abroad/away coursework
Studying abroad/away develops global citizens and ethical leaders. Living and learning in a different culture enhances education, friendships, life skills, and experiences for an increasingly globalized job market. Education abroad/away raises cultural competencies and enriches learning potential and understanding of other cultures in the field of study.
Multicultural Support and Inclusive Programming
DEI seeks to cultivate inclusion, belonging, and retention for students, faculty, and staff by:
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Advocating for all students, especially those marginalized, including diverse and underrepresented populations on campus
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Providing opportunities for intercultural engagement and learning
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Hosting social justice and equity training and events
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Working to create identity-affirming spaces for all students, faculty, and staff
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Working with Viterbo’s Human Resources Department to create Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and raise employees’ cultural competencies
Sr. Thea Bowman Center
The Sister Thea Bowman Center celebrates the life and legacy of Sister Thea Bowman (FSPA ’65), who dedicated her life to advocacy for human rights for all people. The Bowman Center provides resources for education and understanding of human dignity and social justice and serves as a hub for social justice, inclusivity, and equity teachings.
With a focus on social justice, the STBC fosters inclusivity and raises awareness of social inequalities in our communities and day-to-day lives, as espoused in the Gospels and lived by Sister Thea Bowman. The STBC highlights the gifts Sister Thea Bowman treasured, including:
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Art
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Education
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Equal rights
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Literature
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Music
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Social justice
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Spirituality
Additional Offerings and Value of DEI at Viterbo University
DEI offers work study, internships, and graduate assistantships, as well as programming and volunteer opportunities. We also offer inclusive programming that assists students’ career readiness for the workforce in an increasingly diverse employment climate and provides opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to grow in cultural awareness, cultural competence, and inclusive best practices.
We have partnered with TheDream.US scholarships to promote access and retention of DACA Dreamers/undocumented students.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Center
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Center is available for student, employee, and community use during any open building hours and through special reservations scheduling. The Inclusion Center offers computer and printer access as well as a presentation screen that can be used to project information and presentations from laptops or streaming services. The Inclusion Center can also be used for programming by student groups, campus groups, and community organizations.
English as Second Language (ESL) Program
Our ESL program assists with the development of students’ literacy and academic skills to support success in reaching academic, personal, and career goals.
We offer three levels of ESL coursework. Class sizes are small, and students receive individualized support from an instructor with a master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
To stay on track for a timely graduation, students can take degree-related coursework while completing ESL coursework.
Caring, Expert Staff
Viterbo DEI faculty members and staff hold advanced degrees and certifications, including:
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MA in TESOL
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TEFL certification
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EdD in Leadership, Innovation, and Continuous Improvement
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PhD in English
DEI staff possess a combined 80 years of professional experience in education and offer experience and insights in living abroad, teaching abroad, speaking multiple languages, and global citizenship.
"I was fortunate enough to be Viterbo’s first official DEI International intern, and I am grateful for the experience. I was welcomed with open arms and given both the space and confidence to help expand DEI’s efforts to create an inclusive and supportive community at Viterbo. I feel that I have become more well-rounded as a person, having been surrounded by a wonderful and encouraging team that put me as an intern first. My biggest takeaway is that everything I learned at DEI, I can implement wherever I find myself, may it be in school, in my career, or in my day-to-day life. I’ve taken DEI’s values and made them my own."
—Vivien Anderson, DEI Intern, Fall 2023, University of Potsdam, Germany
"The ESL program has helped me improve my English. I feel comfortable because the teaching is good. I am not afraid to talk to other students in English because I feel like I have lost my fear, and I know that every time I learn new things. It helps a lot because the teacher focuses on each student personally. The exercises we do are very good for learning."
—Rosa, Peru, Class of 2027
"I learned a lot about what I could do on my own. I pushed my boundaries and learned how to be less scared of things."
—Annabeth, Study Abroad Participant in Scotland, Fall 2022
"I learned so many new things from the cultural and linguistic immersion in Spain. Experiencing another culture while studying the history, speaking the language, and trying new things taught me more than I could ever learn in a classroom. I truly enjoyed this opportunity to further my Spanish-speaking abilities and gain cultural values."
—Emma, Zamora, Spain, Spanish Immersion Program, Summer 2023
"I found it to be eye-opening to see a world so outside my own comfort. To help others that are so like me but still live different lives. I am very grateful I was able to break down stereotypes I had conceived in my head. Trying new things helps me become more well-rounded and appreciative of my own experiences."
—Meredith, Study Abroad Participant in South Africa, Summer 2023
"Medical volunteering is a great way to give back, whether working in a health care field, as a current student, or aspiring to learn more about mission trips. Study abroad programs have a focus on underserved and/or rural populations who don’t have easy access to health care. Assisting local staff not only helps improve health for all, but also can teach students valuable skills, such as teamwork and how to work efficiently with limited resources. We saw the students develop skills and efficiencies within their assigned areas."
—Guatemala Faculty Lead, Study Abroad Program