The Center for Diversity and Inclusion offers a wide variety of programs and services for the Franklin College campus.
Diversity Programs at Franklin College
THRIVE
The Center for Diversity and Inclusion partners with the Center for Student Success and additional campus partners to provide THRIVE, a free orientation program for all first and second year Franklin College students. THRIVE was designed to build a strong sense of community and belonging, giving students early access on campus to develop peer networks, engage in conversation with student leaders and key administrators and learn about available resources on the Franklin College campus.
Diversity Advocates
Diversity Advocates are students committed to increasing awareness and knowledge of diversity-related issues, creating dialogue that explores the definition and perception of diversity and working to strengthen the Franklin College community. Diversity Advocates are available to meet with faculty members and students upon request to offer advice on breaking barriers and extending the awareness of our differences in order to see our similarities.
"Being a part of the CDI has had a huge impact on my college career. I am involved in the B.O.S.S. Mentoring program and Sister to Sister. They have taught me the importance of diversity and understanding people’s differences, as well as inclusivity. I have grown as a person because of how much the CDI has pushed me since my freshman year to become a better leader and open-minded individual."
Alexis Cheatham
Class of 2021, Psychology and Creative Writing Major
Our programming makes a difference connecting students of all backgrounds.
- Franklin College Pride Alliance (FCPA)
- Black Student Union (BSU)
- Latinx Student Association (LSA)
- Brother2Brother (B2B)
- Sister to Sister (S2S)
- International Club
Center for Diversity and Inclusion — Get Involved
Franklin College Pride Alliance (FCPA)
- Adviser: Katie Burpo & Kalyn Johnson
Franklin College Pride Alliance serves to provide a safe place for LGBTQIA people on Franklin College’s campus to speak openly without worry or censure. It is a supportive environment that emphasizes the importance of intersectionality and support the CDI in educational workshops such as Safe Zone training, to debunk myths about the LGBTQIA community and raise awareness of their identities and challenges. All Franklin College students are encouraged to join this organization to learn how to build allyship and community.
Center for Diversity and Inclusion — Get Involved
Black Student Union (BSU)
- Adviser: Marlisha Marcellin
BSU advocates for the rights and needs of Black students while promoting academic excellence and professional development. Through a variety of events and discussions, they encourage all Franklin College students to join and learn more about Black culture, beliefs, lifestyles, and the challenges faced by Black individuals. By engaging in meaningful social justice work, they work to empower its members to become leaders both on campus and beyond.
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Latinx Student Association
- Adviser: Daylon Barton
LSA advocates for the involvement and recognition of the Latinx community at Franklin College. The LSA promotes cultural diversity on campus and combats implicit and explicit bias. The LSA creates a safe space to discuss prominent social and cultural challenges in Latinx communities, and encourages Franklin College students to join to become more engaged global citizens.
Center for Diversity and Inclusion — Get Involved
Brother2Brother
- Adviser: Marlisha Marcellin
The Brother2Brother organization strives to unify Black, Indigenous, and men of color on the campus of Franklin College, providing them with a safe space and a platform to amplify their voices on campus. This organization promotes cultural and gender diversity, and provides academic opportunities and resources for its members. Open to all Franklin College students, Brother2Brother welcomes individuals of all identities who are committed to supporting, advocating, and actively learning about experiences of their peers who hold these identities, to build a strong, inclusive community.
Center for Diversity and Inclusion — Get Involved
Sister to Sister
- Adviser: Kalyn Johnson
Sister to Sister aims to unite and empower women of color at Franklin College by providing a safe and supportive space where they can access resources, mentorship, and opportunities to thrive. The organization serves as an active voice for women of color on campus, advocating for cultural and gender diversity while fostering academic and professional growth. Additionally, membership is open to all Franklin College students who are committed to meaningful discussions and initiatives that enhance their understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and gender identities.
Center for Diversity and Inclusion — Get Involved
International Club
- Adviser: Marlisha Marcellin
The club promotes cultural understanding and global awareness within the Franklin College community through educational programs, cultural events and support for international students. The club aims to cultivate a welcoming environment that fosters learning and appreciation for international cultures and perspectives.
Campus Events
The Center for Diversity and Inclusion hosts events covering a wide array of diversity, inclusion and social justice topics. Our past events have included:
- Akwaaba (Welcome Back Dinner)
- Themed Community Open Houses
- Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
- Homecoming Tailgate
- DONUT Be Afraid to Stand Out with FCPA
- Día de los Muertos
- Transgender Day of Remembrance
- Women of Distinction Brunch
- Carne Asada Celebration
- End of the Year Celebration
Workshops and Training
The Center for Diversity and Inclusion provides training throughout the school year on different dimensions of diversity. This includes Safe Zone training.
Facilities Promoting Diversity and Inclusion
The Center for Diversity and Inclusion and Multicultural Lounge
The Center for Diversity and Inclusion and Multicultural Lounge are located on the second floor of the Napolitan Student Center. The multicultural lounge includes a full kitchen, furniture and a computer station. Students visiting these spaces will be exposed to an environment encouraging their participation in academic and co-curricular experiences that emphasize diversity, multiculturalism, social responsibility, self-awareness, cross-cultural dialogue and community. The spaces are open for everyone.
Additional Campus Resources
What’s the DiversiTEA
In September 2021, the Center for Diversity and Inclusion started an internal newsletter for Franklin College called “What’s the DiversiTEA.” Each month, the Center for Diversity and Inclusion informs the campus of upcoming CDI events and holidays, highlight diversity and inclusion in the news and so much more.
Mentoring and Support
Do you just need someone to talk to? The Center for Diversity and Inclusion is here to listen. We provide support to the following groups:
- Students: We want you to have a great experience here at Franklin College and will do all that we can to help ensure your success.
- Faculty and staff: We can assist with the diverse programming you sponsor.
- Multicultural Organizations: We are available to offer assistance and/or training to advisers of campus multicultural organizations as well as to the organizations themselves on topics related to diversity and multiculturalism.
Resource Library
The Center for Diversity and Inclusion has a small but growing resource library available for checkout by Franklin College students, faculty, and staff.
Center for Diversity and Inclusion
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Hours
Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.