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Diversity at the U of C
Students at the University of Chicago are lucky to be able to experience the rich diversity that both our city and our school have to offer. There are both pros and cons to living in such a diverse atmosphere. The U of C has many resources and organizations which cater to all sorts of socially, spiritually, physically, and politically diverse issues. SocialAmong all women, camaraderie and social ties are important. They provide an avenue not only for having fun, but also for discussing unique concerns, sharing useful information, and organizing around issues of particular importance to women. For women of diverse backgrounds seeking these ties to specific kinds of groups (i.e. cultural, professional, athletic, etc.), the U of C offers a way to get connected. Some of the best campus resources for connecting with other women are Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs). RSOs just for women include Women's Crew/Fencing/Ice Hockey, Lacrosse/Rugby/Ultimate Frisbee, Unaccompanied Women (an acapella choir), the Women's Guide to the U of C, Women and Youth Supporting Each Other (WYSE), and many more. (For more information about RSOs for women, see Chapter 15.) A growing pool of RSOs for women organize around racial and cultural identity. The Minority Women's Association (MWA), one such organization, has a broad membership and is committed to fostering an environment of social, spiritual, academic, and cultural support for a diverse group of women. The following RSOs are two that also cater to the needs of diverse student groups: the Department of English Association of Students of Color, and the Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority (Latina). Related groups at the graduate level include the Minority Graduate Student Association (MGSA), the Black Law Students Association, and the Latino Student Association (at SSA), and many others. Another option for reaching specific cultural communities is to join a cultural RSO. Several of these RSOs produce annual cultural shows that educate and entertain, and almost all of them host study breaks or other events in order to share their unique heritage with the greater campus community. These events provide women with more ways of expressing their perspectives by bringing their voices to bear on the relationship fostered between these groups and the larger student body. Here is a list of some cultural RSOs:
For more information about these RSOs, please consult the RSO of interest using the Office of Reynolds Club & Student Activities' (ORCSA) database. The number of student organizations devoted to women and diverse cultures reflects the true diversity of the students at the U of C, the challenges that they face, and the missions that they have. Every year new groups are formed, new ideas are presented, and many more voices are heard. For those who wish to add their voices, the Office of the Reynolds Club & Student Activities has resources about joining and beginning student groups. Spiritual
Many women of color place an equally important emphasis on spiritual well-being. Expression of one's spirituality can lead to greater mental health and well-being. When times get rough and school work seems to be overwhelming, there are different outlets to help one express herself and connect spiritually with others in the University community. There are quite a few religious RSOs on campus to help one connect with her inner-spirituality. Some of the religious groups on campus include the Catholic Students Association, Hillel Jewish Students Kehilah, Muslim Students Association, and many others. Click heremore comprehensive list of religious RSOs. Other RSOs also exist to help express spirituality in the form of self expression. These RSOs often help provide an outlet to let out one's creative spirituality. University Theater, Rythmic Bodies in Motion (RBIM), and MOIM at the KILMOK are a few creative outlets for self expression. PhysicalDuring the stressful time that is college, it is extremely important not to lose sight of healthy eating. In addition to increasing and expanding your mental capacities far greater than imagined by the many challenges of the U of C, it is also important to maintain healthy physical capacities. Cultivate your mind, but also cultivate your body. It is usually easy to lose track of what you eat and how much, but it is important to maintain a healthy diet while studying. Keeping the food "pyramid" in mind, also remember those physical education classes you may have had as a kid or teenager and keep exercise and healthy eating hand-in-hand. Many problems can arise out of not keeping your body healthy. These range from the common cold to more serious problems, such as anemia. For more information on nutrition, please see Chapter 7. If for any reason you suspect serious health issues, the first place to go for advice and help would be the Student Care Center, located in the UC Hospitals. Political
Diversity is a contentious focus on college campuses, the U of C included. Minority women can contribute to the debate, re-orient it to engage the concerns of women, and ultimately shape a discourse that advocates for underrepresented individuals to the benefit of all. In the spirit of debate, self-expression, sharing, and activism, Chicago women are raising their voices and making a difference. The state of diversity at the U of C is, in a word, dynamic. Only two years ago the Provost's Initiative on Minority Issues was launched, culminating in a 2004 report on the state of minority affairs at the University. The report identifies the concerns of minority students and faculty in a range of areas from racial bias in the classroom to discrimination between campus police, students, and professors. In response, the University has reaffirmed through a diversity statement its commitment to diversity in faculty, staff, and student body and its goal of improving relations with the larger community. (For more information on this issue check out the Diversity Statement and Fact Sheet.) Women uphold the University's standards of non-discrimination and commitment to diversity through campus activism. The U of C chapters of the Feminist Majority and the National Organization of Women (NOW) and many RSOs seek change specific to minorities and women. ResourcesThere are many on-campus resources for minority women. The following resources are available on campus for anybody who is concerned with matters relating to color: The Office of Minority Student Affairs (OMSA): This office is filled with friendly people, and is located on the second floor of the Administration Building in Suite 203. Amandla Student Resource Center: This is a relaxing place where you can check your email, hang out, study, have study breaks, etc. And it has a really convenient location right above Harper Memorial Library! Visit OMSA's website for current hours. Center for the Study of Race, Politics and Culture (CSRPC): The Center for the Study of Race, Politics and Culture (CSRPC) at the University of Chicago is an interdisciplinary program dedicated to promoting engaged scholarship and debate around the topics of race and ethnicity. Center for Gender Studies: The Center for Gender Studies shares its space with CSRPC (see above). It has many resources for women concerned with LGBTQ issues, race issues, or any other issues related to being a woman! Human Rights Program: The Human Rights Program, in its myriad of projects and studies has addressed women's issues all around the world. University Community Service Center (UCSC): The UCSC addresses many community issues and offers valuable tours showing the many sides of Chicago. 
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