At The University of Northwestern – St. Paul (UNW), one of our core values is to create a community that reflects the diversity of the Body of Christ by intentionally promoting Christian unity in our community, particularly with respect to issues of racial, cultural and ethnic diversity, and biblical reconciliation.
The Student Life staff advances this mission of the university by coordinating programs, services, and resources that celebrate and nurture culturally, racially, ethnically, and globally diverse and transformative learning environments for all members of the UNW community. Our caring and qualified staff also advises and supports international and immigrant students, students who have grown up living in one or more cultures, and students of color in the areas of academic, cultural, spiritual, and personal growth.
International and Multicultural New Student Orientation is a three-day orientation at the beginning of the academic year, providing students and their families with tools for adjusting to campus life and resources for academic success, as well as the opportunity to meet other students and begin the process of making new friends.
Multicultural Student Services supports students of color by providing access to important resources, helping with cultural adjustment, advocating for unique needs, building relationships with students, and planning valuable programs designed to promote intercultural learning and biblical reconciliation on campus. Each student is connected with an upper-class student mentor who becomes a friendly, reliable and trustworthy source of information and support.
International Student Services assists international students in their adjustment to university in the U.S. by providing spiritual, social and academic support to help them integrate into all aspects of life. We assist students in applying their learning to their own lives, vocation, and cultural contexts, as well as sharing their cultures with the university community. Each international student is connected with an upper-class student mentor who becomes a friendly, reliable and trustworthy source of information and support.
International Family Friendship Program connects international students with families of Northwestern faculty, staff, and alumni to provide a "home away from home" and nurture cross-cultural friendships and support.
Multicultural Student Organizations and Clubs
Student Life is home to a growing number of student organizations and clubs devoted to reconciliation and the celebration of God's cultural diversity.
- Fellowship of Reconciling Cultures Everywhere (FORCE) is an open social support network for all students who wish to learn about different cultures and educate others about their own cultures. Through intercultural programs, the students of FORCE work to create biblical unity by holding campus-wide events such as the Annual Multicultural Festival, discussion groups, regular coffee houses, "open mic" nights, performances, and retreats that engage students in building cultural awareness and reconciliation.
- Asian Student Fellowship (ASF) promotes fellowship among students from Asian cultures, as well as hosting cultural and educational events to build a stronger community.
- Black Student Union (BSU) provides support and guidance for students of African descent and enhances their educational and personal development through a wide variety of programs and events that promote social, cultural, historical, and community awareness.
- LatinX provides programs and resources that empower Latinx students to persist and graduate, develop and strengthen their self-advocacy and leadership skills, and contribute to the advancement of their communities. Latin X seeks to be a safe inclusive community where students feel a sense of belonging and find pride in their self-identified identities, affinities, and culture.
- Global Nomads is a club for students who have lived overseas in one or more cultures. Global Nomads allows "third culture" and "missionary kids" (TCK/MK) to join with others to find support in the transitions to university life and U.S. culture. Game nights, dinners, retreats, cultural celebration, and a range of other activities are held regularly.
The following people and offices are available to assist you:
Choua LeMay
Intercultural Programs Manager—addresses student issues related to cultural adjustment, connecting to academic support or other services.
Office location: G109
Phone: 651-631-5229
- Brad Fenske
DSO (Designated School Official)/International Student Advisor—available to advise and assist with matters regarding immigration issues.
Office location: Registrar’s Office, N2134
Phone: 651-631-5334
- Financial Aid Office—Financial Assistance
Office location: N1118
Phone: 651-631-5212
- Ruth Fries
Culture, Language & Transition Training Instructor/Academic Program Manager—assists and advises with academic/cultural/language issues and special needs.
Office location: N4232
Phone: 651-628-3241
- FORCE (Fellowship of Reconciling Cultures Everywhere)
Official Student Organization and Student Representation—plans multicultural events and is the voice for students on issues of culture and race.
Office location: G123
Phone: 651-631-7638