Mission Statement:
The Office of Intercultural Engagement & Leadership provides a comprehensive learning structure to assist students of color and first generation college students during the First Year Student experience through graduation. The mission of the Intercultural Engagement department is to help students thrive and pursue a tremendous range of academic opportunities at Grinnell and beyond. Intercultural Engagement fosters inclusive excellence, cultural competency training, equity and social justice education to help students thrive and obtain global perspectives on world issues.
Grinnell College is fully vested in helping students develop critical thinking skills, academic excellence and a broad range of life skills. Student success is enhanced through higher learning outcomes plus innovative new strategies which actively engage students, faculty and staff. A Grinnell education prepares students to walk proudly across the stage to receive a Grinnell College diploma and begin a new chapter of intellectual engagement. Grinnell College seeks conscientious life learners who will change the world and contribute to the greater good. Grinnell students are highly intellectual global citizens who seek challenging curriculum and the opportunity to help make a difference in the world.
Peer Connections Pre-Orientation Program (PCPOP Leadership Institute):
Grinnell invites the incoming students of color, first generation and student athletes to participate in a voluntary pre-orientation program to obtain effective learning strategies to maintain student success in a thriving residential college community. The Peer Connections Pre-Orientation Program (PCPOP Leadership Institute) trains upper-class Peer Mentors to work with a select group of incoming first year students as they transition into college life. The intersectionality of identity, culture, community, expression, ability, gender and race are all vital parts of student success at Grinnell College.
Intercultural Engagement provides student mentorship activities, workshops, diversity education and symposiums on topics such as academic success, inclusive excellence, diversity and social justice. The First Year Student Success initiative is designed to streamline the student transformation process and develop a well balanced college experience. Intercultural Engagement collaborates throughout the college community with students, faculty, alumni and the local community to provide a very strong sense of belonging and a serious commitment to a successful liberal arts education.
The PCPOP Leadership Institute program directs first year students to utilize the excellent campus resources to keep first year students are on a successful trajectory to easily navigate Grinnell College transitions more successfully. The Academic Resource Center (ARC) colleagues serve an essential part of student success at Grinnell College. The writing, math, science and reading labs each significantly impact student success in the classwork and improve the overall performance of the student community. The PCPOP time management, education, leadership and study skills workshops provide critical analysis training to adequately prepare for rigorous course work, examinations and the intense class curriculum.
Academic Advising: Intercultural Engagement serves as a member of the academic support team to help students get organized, remain on task and consistently manage academic challenges. The objective of the Intercultural program is to maintain strong academic progress and build campus liaisons by actively collaborating with faculty advisors, Career Development and campus liaisons.
Mentorship: The incoming first year students are matched with a Peer Mentor, faculty or staff mentor to help students transition into the demanding academic college community. The first year students become immediately acquainted with various sectors of the campus community through the Peer Connections Pre-Orientation Program (PCPOP). The leadership program is designed to build student allies, academic success, LGBTQI and identity development skills.
Multicultural Leadership Council Advisor (MLC)
The student leadership cabinet members are a collective team of student leaders who model inclusive excellence, equity and social justice programs. The Multicultural Leadership Council and the Pioneer Diversity Council administer excellent campus-wide diversity programs and discussions to enrich the institution at large. The Multicultural Leadership Council work within the college community and SGA cabinet committees to explore various commonalities and differences at the college.
