Student Identities

Transcript

Staff, faculty and students at Iowa State all live by the principles of community. The messaging bedrock for cultivating inclusion at the university. These include respect, purpose, cooperation, richness of diversity, freedom from discrimination, and the honest and respectful expression of ideas. Creating an environment of success, Iowa State offers many resources to students from all walk of life. Up next, we have Sarah to share a bit more about some of those resources. Sarah, it’s all yours.

– Hey, Alex. Being a transfer student to Iowa State, I know how valuable it is to find a university that offers opportunities for all walks of life. It was important for me to find a campus culture that fosters individuality and welcomes students wherever they are on their academic journey. One of the best examples of Iowa State’s adaptability with transfer students is through our student learning communities. I was placed into the psychology transfer student learning community class my first semester here. It helped me get a head start on creating a graduation plan with my transfer credits. It also allowed me to make community and campus connections by encouraging involvement in clubs and organizations. Through this, I decided to become a peer mentor and co-instruct the transfer site class to help students transition into their new home. Iowa State plays a big part in not only paving the way for new students coming to campus, but in honoring the identities that already live in the heart of our campus. Student identities are celebrated all throughout the university grounds through historic dedications to minority groups, such as the Sloss House. Which offers programming and resources towards the advancement of gender equity. And the Upcoming Plaza, dedicated to the National Pan-Hellenic Council, which amplifies the importance of historically black sororities and fraternities. I found my home as the first vice president of a newly founded organization called Pride Goes Greek. A community for underrepresented members of the sorority and fraternity community, especially for those identifying under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella. I was worried about finding the right community on such a large campus, but little did I know that Cyclone Nation would help me challenge my perspectives and connect me with the right people to make change happen. Back to you, Alex.

– Thank you so much, Sarah. I’m so glad you found your place at Iowa State and are helping others find theirs. With more than 30,000 Cyclones, Iowa State recognizes that no two students are alike and a variety of identities build campus diversity. Whether you’re a veteran, transfer student, LGBTQIA+, nontraditional, multicultural or utilize student’s accessibility services, there’s a place for you here at Iowa State. Iowa State has students from all 50 states and more than a 100 nations, all coming together to call Ames their home. This vibrant college town is part of what makes Iowa State so special.