Build community
Three students sit in front of a black wall with science calculations.

CBS Community Gatherings

CBS hosts a series of gatherings each semester to bring together students of shared backgrounds and identities. Each gathering is facilitated by a staff member within CBS to engage the community to speak about their shared experiences and celebrate those experiences over dinner with one another. Students, faculty, and staff who identify with a shared identity are invited and encouraged to attend.

BIPOC Community Gathering
Tuesday, September 24  |  5:30-7 p.m.  |  115 Ford Hall

LGBTQ+ Community Gathering
Tuesday, October 8  |  5:30-7 p.m.  |  115 Ford Hall

Women in CBS Community Gathering
Tuesday, October 22  |  5:30-7 p.m.  |  115 Ford Hall

First-Gen Community Gathering
Tuesday, November 5  |  5:30-7 p.m.  |  115 Ford Hall

CBS Book Discussion

Each semester, CBS hosts a book club for students to read and engage in a discussion about a book that is connected to science. Each of these discussions is facilitated by a faculty or staff member within CBS and each participant is provided with a copy of the book to read in preparation for the discussion.

If you would like to recommend a book to be included in an upcoming CBS book discussion, please submit a recommendation.

BioCommons Community Study Space

Located in Moos 2-585, the BioCommons Community Study Space offers a CBS exclusive space to get work done, take a break or connect with classmates. In addition to plenty of work space, BioCommons also offers a refrigerator, microwave, safer sex supplies and printing. All CBS students have 125 pages of free printing to use in BioCommons each semester.

CBS Dean's Scholars

Dean's Scholars is a unique program designed to support CBS students in building their leadership skills and preparing to be active citizens and change makers in their chosen professions and communities after graduation. In addition to the skills developed through Dean’s Scholars, the program also offers students the opportunity to participate in a smaller close-knit community to support their success in CBS. Learn more

Campus-wide identity-based programs

CBS students are active participants in cultural organizations across the University, and the college claims many past winners of the Scholarly Excellence in Equity and Diversity (SEED) Award. Meet past winners. The University offers many opportunities to become more involved in multicultural programs and organizations across campus. The Office for Equity and Diversity houses some of these programs and resources.

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Student Organizations & Student Cultural Centers

Some of the most influential and active organizations are our 2nd floor cultural centers in Coffman Union. The state-of-the-art 2nd floor offers space for studying and community gathering. Each cultural center provides educational opportunities, social connections, and a safe space for their identity group.

  • American Indian Student Cultural Center (AISCC)
  • Asian American Student Union (ASU)
  • Black Student Union (BSU) 
  • Disabled Student Cultural Center (DSCC) 
  • La Raza Student Cultural Center 
  • Queer Student Cultural Center (QSCC)
  • Al-Madinah Student Cultural Center (AMCC)
  • Minnesota International Student Association (MISA)
  • Feminist Student Activist Collective (FSAC)

For students interested in organizations that exist at the intersections of identity and the study of STEM, the following organizations may be of interest:

  • American Indian Students in Science and Engineering (AISES) 
  • oSTEM
  • Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS)
  • Association of Multicultural Scientists (AMS) 
  • Somali Association for Pre-Health students
  • Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE)
  • Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) 

North Star STEM Alliance

The North Star STEM Alliance is a partnership of Minnesota colleges, universities, and community organizations with the goal of increasing the number of underrepresented students receiving science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) bachelor's degrees in Minnesota. The North Star STEM Alliance offers opportunities and programs aimed at helping students to succeed academically through:

  • Mentorship
  • Connections and funding undergraduate research opportunities
  • Funding for undergraduate research
  • Travel to scientific conferences
  • Leadership within the alliance
  • Academic support
  • Networking events

Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence (MCAE)

The Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence (MCAE) prioritizes the academic lives of students from historically marginalized backgrounds in their pursuit of a college degree within the context of a predominantly white campus. 

  • Mentorship
  • Leadership opportunities
  • Academic support
  • Networking events

Circle of Indigenous Nations

The Circle of Indigenous Nations fosters an environment that allows students to feel a sense of community on campus. It contributes to the strengthening and development of all students through culturally specific services and activities.

Gender and Sexuality Center for Queer and Trans Life

The Gender and Sexuality Center for Queer and Trans Life serves students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, asexual, allies and many other gender and sexual orientation-creative identities. Their work centers around four fundamental tenets of education, advocacy, outreach, and support.