The IDEA Center leads a variety of strategic initiatives that elevate attention to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access.
IDEA Ambassadors
This paid leadership program for undergraduate students celebrates the identities of students from historically underserved communities. Students hold office hours at the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access Center and work on projects like diversity education sessions, Empower Hour, podcasts, social media, etc. Each semester between 5-10 students are selected to participate in the program.
Multicultural Fair
The Multicultural Fair is an annual celebration of the diversity of student culture at PSU. Students are invited to host tables on the cultures they represent. The event includes food, drinks, and t-shirts for participants.
Graduation Ceremony
Each year the IDEA Center hosts a graduation ceremony for graduating students from diverse identities and experiences. Each graduating student receives a special gift.
Student Affinity Organizations
We have a number of identity-based student affinity organizations for students to get involved with.
Asian Student Union - The purpose of the ASU is to create a safe space for Asian-identifying students and allies to connect.
Best Buddies - PSU Best Buddies envisions a world where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are successfully integrated into every community and our programs are no longer needed. We want to show the world that people with disabilities deserve respect.
Black Student Union - The purpose of the BSU shall be to help students strive for academic excellence, promote positive images of African Americans and help Black students become an integral part of the Plymouth State community.
Latine Student Union - The purpose of LSU is to celebrate our Latine student community on campus and provide a space for allies to learn more about Latine/Hispanic culture.
Multicultural Club - The purpose of the Multicultural club is to celebrate all the incredible diversity within our PSU community.
PSU Pride - The purpose of Pride is to provide all individuals both part of the LGBTQ+ community and allies of it in and around Plymouth State University, an environment and space to feel like they belong.
Visit the PAW platform for more information!
Faculty and Staff Initiatives
Brave Space
Brave Space is a faculty and staff stipended professional development opportunity facilitated by the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access Center. Brace Space encourages critical dialogue over themes related to diversity, equity, and social justice. Brave Space cohorts are offered each academic term and spaces are limited.
The theme for the 2024-2025 academic year is Bridge-Building.
Employee Affinity Groups
BIPOC Employee Affinity Group
The BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) Employee Affinity Group serves as a space for BIPOC identifying employees at Plymouth State University to connect and support each other. This group meets on a monthly basis throughout the academic year. For more information, please contact Alberto Ramos (alberto.ramos@plymouth.edu).
LGBTQ+ Employee Affinity Group
The LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, +) Employee Affinity Group serves as a space for LGBTQ+ identifying employees at Plymouth State University to connect and support one another. This group meets on a monthly basis throughout the academic year. For more information, please contact Paige Paradise (peparadise@plymouth.edu).
IDEA Grants
The IDEA Center offers grants to PSU faculty and staff to help implement initiatives that advance inclusion, diversity, equity, and access across our campus community. Grant funding ranges from $250-$500.
