Diversity at NC State University
Imagine a university with over 31,000 students from all 50 states and approximately 100 countries. Imagine a university where students can choose from 90 different majors. Imagine a university with students from small towns and rural communities, and medium-sized cities and large metropolitan areas. Imagine a university with students from all different social, ethnic, and economic backgrounds. Imagine a university where all these students take classes together, live together, discuss academics together, talk about life together, and learn from each other. Imagine this University. This is NC State University.
NC State has a commitment to excellence in a comprehensive range of academic disciplines that foster academic maturation and inclusion of all students and facilitating a learning environment that is conducive for a diverse population of students to succeed.
NC State embraces diversity as essential for effective participation in the global community. Achieving diversity requires the active cooperation and participation of all. Dr. José A. Picart is NC State's Vice Provost for Diversity & African American Affairs.
Everything you need to be your best
The University's commitment to excellence and diversity go hand in hand. Students not only learn from each other in the classroom and laboratory, but also outside the classroom. NC State's graduates are well-prepared to pursue a wide variety of careers.
All students are invited and encouraged to utilize the vast number of resources and services available at NC State University. The African American Cultural Center (AACC) seeks to promote an awareness of and the appreciation for the diversity and richness of the African American experience. Additionally, the AACC sponsors programs and activities that provide educational experiences for all students, faculty and staff, and the Triangle community. Serving as the hub of campus activity for many student-run organizations, the AACC provides a supportive environment for African American students while serving as an educational facility that promotes awareness of the African presence throughout history.
The Offices of Hispanic and Native American Student Affairs assist NC State in providing many programs and services, including Peer Mentoring, Hispanic/Latino and Native American Heritage Month Programming, SABA-Academic Enrichment Program, Native American Symposium, Student Leadership Development, Mi Familia, and student organization advising. They work in conjunction with a number of departments and College on Campus to conduct programs related to recruitment and retention.
The Student Mentor Association is a peer-advisory program that paris first year students with returning students for an entire academic year. The purpose of the program is to asist the University with its goal of maintaining the enrollment of African American, Native American and Hispanic students. The overall objective of the Student Mentor Association is to contribute to the advancement of first year students by aiding in their academic, emotional and social adjustment to college.
The Undergradute Tutorial Center offers free tutorial assistance in a number of freshman and sophomore level courses, including English, mathematics, foreign languages, chemistry and physics. The Counseling Center provides academic, personal and vocational counseling services for enrolled students. Confidentiality is assured and most services are free of charge. The University Career Center advises students on various aspects of career decisions, job search preparation, resume preparation, and interviewing skills.
The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) researches, designs and implements unique programs that promote the pursuit of academic success, retention and graduation of students belonging to ethnic minority populations at NC State University. Many of the programs and services expand students' cultural horizons while honoring their respective cultural experiences. MSA works in conjunction with a number of departments and Colleges at NC State to conduct programs related to academic, personal, professional and cultural development, which foster skills and strategies for being successful. For more information, contact MSA at (919) 515-3835.
The African-American and Native American Visitation Day programs in the spring afford accepted students the opportunity to come to campus for a day. They will gain different perspectives from current students, faculty and staff on what NC State is all about. For more information contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Students and parents are also invited to attend the annual Fall Open House.
Student Organizations
NC State has an African-American Student Advisory Council (AASAC), composed of representatives of student organizations on campus. There is also a chapter of the national civil rights organization NAACP on campus for student participation. A drama group, the Black Repertory theater, encourages the production of African-American plays, and students with no theatrical experience are welcome to learn and take part in theater. Students may also participate in a number of professional groups, such as the African-American Textile Society, African-American Design Students Association, and the Society of African-American Physical and Mathematical Scientists. The Black Students Board, a branch of the Union Activities Board, sponsors a number of programs including the Pan Afrikan Festival. This week-long event in the spring features musicians, dancers, lecturers and other activities.
SNAC serves as an information society ofr Native Americans and non-natives about Native American culture, issues and concerns through field trips, film series, lectures, and other activities. NASA serves as a support group for Native American students at NC State. NASA helped to address the need for a Native American studies class at NC State as well as with the recruitment of Native American students to campus. AISES Is composed of students majoring in the sciences and engineering and focuses on those particular programs through career fairs and job placement. All three groups co-sponsor the Spring Pow-Wow, which gives all students the opportunity to experience Native American culture.
Scholarships
Students from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply for admission and scholarships. The student body continues to increase in diversity through the recruitment of students from different groups. Many of the winners of our most prestigious scholarships come from a variety of backgrounds including various ethnicities, socio-economic status, religious affiliations, and geographic regions. Many of our outstanding students also have financial need. The University makes every effort to meet the demonstrated financial need of our students. For more information contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid at (919) 515-2421.
