At University of Northwestern – St. Paul (UNW), one of our core values is to create a community that reflects the cultural diversity of the Body of Christ by becoming Christ's ambassadors of reconciliation, intentionally seeking to promote Christian unity in our community, particularly with respect to issues of racial, cultural and ethnic diversity, and biblical reconciliation.
Student Life staff advance 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 university community. Our caring and qualified staff also advises and supports international 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.
Student Life: Multicultural Services and Cultural Development offices are located in the Billy Graham Community Life Commons office G-111. Students are welcome to stop by any time or call 651-631-5229.
If you have any questions or concerns that are not answered, or need clarification on any information provided, do not hesitate to contact Student Life staff or your Multicultural Mentor for help.
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 by providing access to important resources, helping with cultural adjustment, advocating for unique needs, 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 a safe and welcoming community for black students. The primary goal of BSU is create a holistic environment where students can develop spiritually, academically, culturally, professionally, and socially.
- LatinX seeks to unite people of Hispanic / Latino background and cultures, and to share those cultures with the university. Throughout the year, LatinX engages in fellowship, cultural events and education, as well as community outreach.
- 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:
Dr. David Fenrick
Assistant Dean, Experiential Cultural Development—addresses student issues related to cultural adjustment, and connecting to academic support or other services.
Office location: G-109
Phone: 651-631-5229
Email: defenrick@unwsp.edu
Kristina Rodriguez
Office Coordinator
Office location: G-213
Phone: 651-631-5264
Email: kmrodriguez@unwsp.edu