Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

University of Minnesota Mission Statement 

Philosophy: The University of Minnesota is founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

Purpose: In all of its activities, the University strives to sustain an open exchange of ideas in an environment that embodies the values of academic freedom, responsibility, integrity, and cooperation; that provides an atmosphere of mutual respect, free from racism, sexism, and other forms of prejudice and intolerance; that assists individuals, institutions, and communities in responding to a continuously changing world; that is conscious of and responsive to the needs of the many communities it is committed to serving; that creates and supports partnerships within the University, with other educational systems and institutions, and with communities to achieve common goals; and that inspires, sets high expectations for, and empowers the individuals within its community

AEM Statement: We all share responsibility for equity and diversity and are fully committed to engage faculty, students and staff from all backgrounds, including individuals from historically underrepresented groups in Aerospace Engineering. We are committed to a welcoming culture that actively promotes the academic professional and personal well being of all.  We support many diversity programs in the College of Science and Engineering and the University.  We proudly celebrate our students who actively engage in these activities as well. To learn more about diversity at the U, visit  diversity.umn.edu.

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Location

As Explore Minnesota states,"Minnesota has long been a melting pot of cultures. From the Dakota and Ojibwe, to the Swedes, to the state's Hmong, Somali and Mexican communities, every wave of newcomers makes Minnesota culture richer and more diverse." Set in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, the University of Minnesota and its students are able to experience and take part in the exciting and diverse culture of two of America's premiere cities. The Twin Cities are renowned for their quality of life, outdoor recreation spaces, diverse culture, and much more. The thriving University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus stretches over 1,150 acres in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Nestled around the scenic Mississippi River, the Minneapolis campus sits under the shadow of a sparkling downtown skyline. At the U of M, you’ll find unlimited opportunities for entertainment, culture, and hands-on experience right outside your front door. Just minutes from campus you can attend a professional sports game, shop at the country’s largest mall, dine at a trendy Uptown restaurant, get inspired at the Weisman Art Museum (on-campus), or kick back and relax at one of our local coffee shops. Learn more from University of Minnesota admissions.

University Resources To Get Involved

Learn more about Diversity on Campus and explore the  U of M's multicultural campus.

Office for Equity and Diversity  - The Office for Equity and  Diversity  provides system-wide equity and diversity initiatives and programs.  See also Equity and Diversity Certificate Program offered for current students, faculty and staff. 

CSE Diversity Programs - The College of Science and Engineering has a wide variety of student clubs and organizations, including several focused on  promoting  diversity with the STEM fields.   Learn more about CSE Student Groups.

International Student and Scholar Services is offering Cross-Cultural Discussion Groups, a unique opportunity to meet other University students from a variety of colleges, majors, and nationalities in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. See what past participants had to share about their experiences. The Cross-Cultural Discussion Groups are open to all UMN students.

Disability Resource Center - The University of Minnesota values diverse identities and experiences, and honors disability as an important aspect of human diversity. The  Disability Resource Center  works in partnership with students, faculty, staff, and guests of the University to eliminate or minimize barriers and facilitate inclusion on campus.

Bias Response and Referral Network - The Bias Response and Referral Network responds to bias incidents on the Twin Cities Campus in ways that support those most impacted, promote education and dialogue and affirm the University's commitment to equity and diversity, free speech and academic freedom.

Office for Diversity in Graduate Education - The Graduate School Diversity office coordinates and leads the Universities initiatives in the recruitment, funding, retention and graduation of a diverse graduate and professional student body.  Services include recruitment and consultation in the application process, academic support and mentoring and outreach to graduate programs for diverse student experiences.  

Community of Scholars Program - The Community of Scholars Program partners with the Graduate School Diversity Office to create an environment that supports the academic and professional success of graduate students.   It provides support to  develop supportive relationships with advisors and mentors; build a sense of community through academic seminars and professional development workshops; and connect students to the Twin Cities and broader U of MN system through teaching, research and community engagement opportunities. 

Graduate School Student Organizations - The Graduate School invites students to network and build a supportive community by becoming an active member to a graduate student organization.

Diversity & Inclusivity Alliance - The CSE Diversity & Inclusivity Alliance is comprised of students, faculty, postdoctoral researchers, staff, and alumni from throughout the college. The goal of this Alliance is to improve the college's climate through advancement and practice of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). The Alliance brings members of the CSE community together to identify critical DEI issues, develop action plans, promote relevant events and trainings, implement effective DEI practices, and support DEI efforts at the department level.