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Grinnell's commitment to educate "all" students who meet its academic admissions standards is not a symbolic one; rather, it is a commitment shared by the entire college community that students learn through interactions and experiences with others who are different from themselves. The college acknowledges that all students exhibit universal needs that transcend racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, therefore, the college and the Office of Multicultural Affairs are committed to serving all students. Thus, all students are invited and encouraged to participate in any and all of the programs, services, and student organizations associated with multicultural affairs.

While the Office of Multicultural Affairs is open to all students, the primary focus is to assess and meet the needs of students who have self-identified as being racially part of one of the historically under-represented racial groups in the U.S., and provide a forum by which issues of multiculturalism and diversity can be broadly addressed. In achieving this goal, Multicultural Affairs provides several programs designed to enhance student life.

The Office of Multicultural Affairs works with Grinnell's multiethnic and international students. Each fall, the office offers a two-day multicultural student orientation. The office sponsors two mentoring programs: the Peer Connections Program that matches incoming students with returning students and the Faculty Mentoring Program that matches incoming students with members of the faculty. The office provides personal counseling and advising to individual students and consults with campus constituents on related matters. The Office of Multicultural Affairs acts as a liaison to the Admission office for recruitment, campus visits by prospective students and the overall retention of students.

Following is a list of several student cultural organizations designed to focus on specific cultural needs, provide cultural enrichment on campus, and allow students to celebrate diversity on Grinnell's campus. All are directly sponsored and advised through the Office of Multicultural Affairs, except for the organization Chalutzim (sponsored and advised through the Chaplain's office).

Asian American Coalition (AAC) is a student organization with the resolve to recreate a social and cultural network that encourages cultural identity, autonomy, promotes awareness of political and social issues affecting Asian American cultures and race.

Chalutzim, the Jewish student organization, is a diverse community in which students celebrate and learn about Judaism. They hold religious services on campus and sponsor educational and cultural programming.

Coalition of Anti-Racist Whites (CARW) is a newly formed student organization whose mission is to raise awareness about whiteness and white privilege and expands and contribute to a meaningful dialogue about race, racism and privilege on the Grinnell College campus and in the town of Grinnell.

Concerned Black Students (CBS) is a student organization that has its origins relating back to the Civil Rights Movement. Its focus is the celebration of African/African American culture, as well as providing programming to raise awareness of Black issues in America and around the world.

Grinnell Multicultural Alliance (GMA) was founded in the Spring of 2005 to promote dialogue on campus and within the surrounding community. The mission of Grinnell College's Diversity Coalition is to better ourselves as we better our college community. We believe the greater goal of Grinnell College is to promote diversity and we recognize the unique opportunity to learn with such a diverse mix of people. The best way to promote diversity is to move beyond superficiality and to share of ourselves at a deeper level. We strive to promote diversity through dialogue and action. To do this we must not only know ourselves, but to share this identity with others. We hope that whatever progress we make is continuous and will impact future Grinnell students. GMA will always promote a campus where diversity is openly shared.

International Student Organization (ISO) encompasses all nationalities and welcomes all students as members. ISO functions as a support group for its members during their stay at Grinnell College. The organization promotes international understanding, tolerance and cooperation among cultures on campus and in the Grinnell community.

Native American Students in Alliance (NASA) focuses on creating and implementing activities that meet the needs and concerns of Native American students at Grinnell and promotes awareness within the college community.

Queer People Of Color (QPOC) was formed in 1997, has been inactive for the past three years and reformed in the spring of 2006. This is a support group for students of color to address the issues of ethnicity, multiple identities, and sexuality. QPOC works collaboratively with other multicultural student organizations to provide educational programs on campus. QPOC also holds regular support group meetings and sponsors social gatherings throughout the year.

Stonewall Resource Center (SRC) was established in 1986 to enhance awareness of human development and gay, lesbian, and bisexual issues and provide resources focusing on these issues. In 1992 the mission of the SRC began focusing solely on the gay, lesbian, and bisexual community and issues. In 1994 transgendered persons were included in the language surrounding the SRC. The center, which is located in Loose Pit, houses informal and formal meetings, lounge and study space, and a library. Programming focuses on issues related to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered community.

Student Organization for Latinas/Latinos (SOL) provides a cultural and social support network for students of Latin/Hispanic and Latin/Hispanic American heritage. SOL serves as an educational resource for the Latino and Hispanic community and promotes awareness of social issues through programs, retreats, and activities.

Young Gifted and Black Gospel Choir (YGB) began in 1967 when six first-year black students came together in the basement of one of the men's dorms on Grinnell's campus to share a common and powerful experience: gospel music. YGB takes its name from a book by Lorraine Hansberry, To Be Young, Gifted and Black. Today, YGB is a musical ensemble of students of all ethnic backgrounds and talents (faculty, staff and community members are also welcome). The unifying component of its members is that they all love to sing and give praise to the Heavenly Father!