Diversity

A diverse culture that cares for the needs of all students

Indiana University attracts and supports a diverse faculty that mentors a student body coming from all socioeconomic backgrounds. We invest in academic support that takes into account the special needs and unique contributions of first-generation college students, veterans, students from underrepresented minorities, GLBT students, international students, returning students, and part-time students.

Developing empathy and understanding

From day one, in new student orientation (part of IU First Year Experience Programs) students learn to respect intercultural perspectives—and to integrate intercultural experiences into their studies and their lives.

Supporting a diverse faculty and student climate through hundreds of programs, offices, and services, the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs and many other campus organizations diligently advocate for success in academics and campus life.

A welcoming home for GLBT students

IU Bloomington was ranked the #9 gay-friendly college by Newsweek and was named a 2014 Campus Pride LGBTQ-friendly university. We’re proud to offer a welcoming environment for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students—who can find support, student groups, and events through IU GLBT Student Services. Our town is known for its strong GLBT community. Learn about gay Bloomington and Bloomington PRIDE.

The office sign and front of the IU GLBT Support Services house — IU GLBT Student Support Services house

A truly global campus

IU continually deepens and expands our engagement with the world, as well as the international dimension of the student learning experience. IU graduates are prepared to be confident in internationally focused careers. We recruit a diverse faculty with global expertise who teach courses with international themes, through many IU degree programs and in the IU School of Global and International Studies. Our campus is a leader in study abroad experiences, with more than 300 immersive programs and more than 2,200 students participating annually.

IU Students on an outdoor tour of ancient structures in Guatemala — Indiana University students in Guatemala

With an international culture to match

International students from 113 countries contribute to our academic experiences—and to a campus and city culture that features attractions like the world-famous Lotus World Music and Arts Festival. You’ll find the nation’s only Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center in Bloomington—which is the American home for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who visits often to engage the campus and the community in activities and workshops. Tibetan, Thai, and Turkish are just some of the many flavors and cultures represented by Bloomington’s international restaurants and global citizens.

The promise of A community where you belong

See how IU is fulfilling the promise

Helping international students transition to America

The Office of International Services makes the transition to American culture easier for our international students, providing resources for everything from communication to visas.

Learn how current IU students traveled overseas to meet future IU students through the IU2U program, which prepares international students for U.S. academic and cultural experiences before they arrive here.

Celebrating diverse forms of expression

IU student cultural centers offer many outlets for academic support, creative expression, and cultural education—benefitting both the students who participate and the audiences.

The Asian Culture Center provides a home for all students who are interested in Asian culture. Established in 1988, it is the oldest center of its kind in the Midwest, presenting many cultural events and resources—like language learning sessions in Hindi, Korean, and Mandarin.

Visit the Asian Culture Center site

The Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center is home to the African American Arts Institute, which nurtures nationally acclaimed performers through three musical groups: the IU Soul Revue, the African American Dance Company, and the African American Choral Ensemble. The center’s programs, services, and student organizations promote knowledge and awareness of the Black experience at IU.

Visit the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center site

the IU African American Dance Company performs on stage — IU African American Dance Company

The La Casa Latino Cultural Center promotes personal growth and cultural pride through support services and programming for Latino students. The center presents arts performances and cultural events and is an advocacy office and link between IU, Bloomington, and the Latino community.

Visit the La Casa Latino Cultural Center site

The First Nations Educational and Cultural Center invites first nations, indigenous, and nonnative allies to come together to promote community-building, academic, cultural-preservation activities. The center hosts the popular annual IU Traditional Powwow.

Visit the First Nations Educational and Cultural Center site