Diversity in Engineering

Diversity Centers, Offices, and Organizations

Asian American and Asian Resource and Cultural Center (AAARCC)

Brings Asian and Asian American experiences to life through programming, networking, and advocacy efforts that are focused on enriching the Purdue experience for all members of our campus community. Our center is open to people of all identities and interests.

Black Cultural Center

Serves as a catalyst for a host of cultural, educational, artistic, social, and technological initiatives; provides an environment that fosters cross-cultural exchanges and noteworthy research, as well as artistic expression through music, dance, drama and creative writing.

Latino Cultural Center

Serves as a place for students, faculty and staff members to gather, learn, share, and support Latino cultures; hosts a variety of educational and social events throughout the year; assists in Latino students' academic success; and is open to the community. ¡Todos Son Bienvenidos! All are welcome!

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Center (LGBTQ Center)

The LGBTQ Center is the primary point of contact for members of the LGBTQ community as it works collaboratively with campus departments, student organizations, University administration and local community groups to connect students with the enriching resources, activities and support services they seek in order to be successful at Purdue and beyond.

Native American Educational and Cultural Center

Purdue’s Native American Educational and Cultural Center (NAECC) is your home away from home, providing resources and support for all tribal nations.

Affirmative Action Office

Promotes human and intellectual diversity by providing equal access and opportunity through fostering an inclusive environment for all members of the University community, and develops and directs the affirmative action program for the campus.

Division of Diversity and Inclusion & Diversity Resource Office

Encourages, develops, administers, and assesses programs and activities that foster a climate within Purdue that celebrates the diversity of all members of our university community. Also provides advocacy and support for individuals from racial, ethnic, religious, and social groups that have been historically underrepresented in institutions of higher education.

Office of International Programs

Dedicates itself to the development of educational opportunities, research, and other services essential to Purdue's ability to perform its land-grant-university mission in the context of the global environment of the 21st century.

Office of the Dean of Students: Disability Resource Center, HORIZONS, etc.

Provides services and programs that enable and encourage students to achieve success in their intellectual and personal development at Purdue and elsewhere.

Office of the Vice President for Human Relations

Enhances the quality of life for students, faculty and staff through the development and implementation of policies and programs that assure equal access and equal opportunity for all and improve the climate for diversity, equity, and educational and professional growth for all members of the University community.

Graduate School Diversity

Committed to helping meet the national need for increasing the number of master’s and doctoral degrees awarded to all students, including underrepresented groups. Find out information about diversity within the Graduate School.

HORIZONS

Is a federally funded program whose goal is to improve the retention and graduation rates of Purdue students. It provides counseling, tutoring, basic-skills training, and special workshops for first-generation college students, income-eligible students, and students with disabilities. Approximately 360 students, first-year through senior, participate in HORIZONS.

International Students and Scholars

Provides appropriate services and support to international clientele and various university departments and offices; seeks to enhance the academic, cultural, and social pursuits of students and scholars from abroad through knowledge and expertise in admissions, immigration, advising, and cross-cultural programming.

Study Abroad

Offers over 200 programs in 45+ countries ranging in length from one week to one year. Students who study abroad develop maturity and independence, expand their knowledge of the world, and increase their sensitivity to other cultures, which is important for engineers who often work with teams that include people form around the world.

University Regulations

American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)

AISES is the only professional society established by and for American Indian and Alaska Natives that specifically emphasizes lifelong learning and educational achievement by utilizing cultural aspects with STEM. AISES also supports early-, mid-, and executive-level professional development, mentoring, networking, community service, and awards programs and initiatives.

Society of Mexican American Engineers and Scientists (MAES)

MAES provides a strong sense of community among all Latinos. The mission of this chapter is to promote, cultivate, and honor excellence in education and leadership among Latinos in STEM. The vision is a future where Latinos are leaders in the engineering and science world.

National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)

Establishes a family environment and a learning community that encourages positive growth and stability, and is committed to strengthening the “Pipeline to Success,” continuing to reach back to middle and high school students and to reach out to alumni.

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers

Leading, molding, and representing the Hispanic Community in the professional world while embracing the diversity of the Purdue community and providing an environment for personal and professional development and socializing.

Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE)

The Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE) is dedicated to the advancement of Asian heritage scientists and engineers in education and employment so that they can achieve their full career potential in their respective careers. SASE provides cultural events to promote and celebrate diversity to prepare members for the global business world. SASE also engages in community service by offering opportunities for members to contribute to the local communities.

Society of Women Engineers

Empowers all through an inclusive, innovative, ever-expanding array of high quality programs that provide resources for all generations of women in technical fields.

University Diversity Student Organization

Is a group of Purdue students interested in creating a more diverse campus. They meet and speak with high school students to answer questions about campus life, living in University Residences, academic resources, getting involved on campus, and much more. Contact a PDO student via e-mail.

Additional Resources

A Guide to Black Lafayette

Provides a database of Black-owned businesses and services within the Greater Lafayette area.