Multicultural Student Services empowers and educates students to intentionally develop mutually trusting and culturally agile relationships. We believe that learning to effectively navigate differences and new environments is an essential part of a liberal arts education. Our Inclusion Visioning Statement calls us to integrate this priority into all aspects of the life of the institutions.
CSB+SJU Inclusion Visioning Statement: The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University believes that an excellent liberal arts education requires an understanding and appreciation of cultural differences and that everyone deserves to feel safe and morally valued. To that end, we will challenge our practices and systems. Our commitment to an inclusive environment will be incorporated into all decision-making processes. We dedicate ourselves to cultivating an equitable, inclusive community founded on respect for all persons.
International Students
There are more than 140 International students at CSB and SJU from 15 different countries including The Bahamas, Brazil, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Japan, Macau, Poland, Hong Kong, Rwanda, Taiwan, Trinidad & Tobago, and Vietnam.
These students have and continue to contribute to our school's diverse atmosphere. Through participation in the various events on our campuses, International students are given the opportunity to present aspects of their own culture while experiencing another. This enhances the cultural experience for every student at CSB and SJU.
Gender & Sexuality - QPLUS
QPLUS (Q+) offers a safe and brave space for students at CSB and SJU that are members of the LGBTQ+ community whether they currently identify or are questioning, and also Q+ provides opportunities for allies and those wanting to become allies to be better advocates and supporters for those in the Queer and Trans community on both campuses and in their everyday lives.
Throughout the academic year, Q+ hosts multiple events including biweekly meetings in the Lavender Lounge. Students and community members are encouraged to come together to celebrate various parts of Queer culture including the annual Drag Show in the Spring, BBQueer, Trans Day of Remembrance and Trans Day of Visibility, and much, much more! To keep up with the most up-to-date events and programming from QPLUS, follow us on Instagram @csbsjuqplus and like us on Facebook!
Multicultural Graduation
Multicultural Graduation celebrates our graduating international, first-generation, racially diverse, and LGBTQ+ students at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. The 2024 Multicultural Graduation Celebration will be held on Wednesday, May 3rd from 5:00 to 7 p.m. in Gorecki Center 204. The Multicultural Center honors the cultural intersections in our graduates’ lives and the communities to which they belong in one celebration. This serves as an intimate gathering for family, friends, and members of our beloved community to recognize the accomplishments, leadership, and impact of the Class of 2024.
For questions regarding the ceremony, please email us at [email protected] or visit us in the Multicultural Center from 9 AM – 5 PM.
Multicultural News
Intercultural LEAD students broaden their world, create impact in Central Minnesota through Summer Leadership Fellows
Gaby Perez Sanchez ’25 and Dana Alcala ’24 are just two from Saint Ben’s and Saint John’s who have had meaningful local internships that could shape their future – and those they serve.
