Diversity Programs and Resources

Seeking to explore intersectional identities and develop cultural competency. 

There are many resources and programs on campus that explore intersectional identities and seek to develop cultural competency through student engagement, programming, and meaningful dialogue. From academic programs to student organizations dedicated to diversity education, we are committed to supporting and educating the entire Purchase community.

Academic Programs

Educational Opportunity Program

The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and Merit Access Program (MAP) community at Purchase College provides the opportunity for a college education for students who have not reached their full academic potential because of limited financial resources and inadequate academic preparation. EOP at Purchase has a committed, dedicated staff who are eager to assist students succeed. Located in Student Services Building, Room 217.

Multicultural Center Diversity Team

The Diversity Team (formerly known as the Student Affairs/Enrollment Management Diversity Committee) will focus on planning and executing diversity programs and education in alignment with the strategic diversity efforts of the college. The committee will organize programs that concentrate on diversity topics, including but not limited to access, equity, identity, privilege, discrimination, systemic racism, vocabulary, civic programs and support campus partners  in planning and implementing diversity programs.

Senate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

This is a standing committee of the Purchase College Senate made up of faculty and staff that supports The Purchase College Diversity Plan.

Monthly Celebrations and Awareness Programs

Each month our staff is committed to celebrating and honoring the cultures and identities of our community. The programming tied to these months provide opportunities for students and staff to connect, learn and  recognize the complexities of cultural identity and self exploration.

Though events are hosted during their celebrated months, our programming and dialogue is not limited to those sole four weeks.

  • Latinx Heritage Month: September 15-October 15
  • LGBTQ History Month: October
  • Disability Awareness Month: October
  • Native American Heritage Month: November
  • World AIDS Day: December 1
  • Black History Month: February
  • Women’s History Month: March
  • Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month: April

PSGA Cultural Student Organizations

The organizations below are part of the Purchase Student Government Association (PSGA). See more information on the Purchase Pantherlink site.

  • American Sign Language
  • LGBTQU
  • Disabled Students’ Union
  • F.O.R.T.H.
  • Hillel
  • Humans of Polynesian and Asian Ancestry (HAPA)
  • Latinx Unidos
  • The Organization of African People in the Americas (O.A.P.I.A.)
  • Students of Caribbean Ancestry (S.O.C.A.)

PSGA Student Diversity Committee

The PSGA committee is made up of voting members of the Purchase College Student Government Association:

  • (2) Senators appointed by the chair of Senate in consultation with the Chair of the Student Diversity Committee
  • (2) CoCos or Service Board representatives who are appointed by the Chair
  • (2) students at large who are appointed by the Chair


Upcoming Events

  • Apr 2

    The Art of Neurodivergence

    Time:  7:00pm

    Purchase Neurodiversity Visibility Club and The Multicultural Center proudly present: The Art of Neurodivergence - An Art Showcase empowering and promoting neurodivergence of all kinds!

  • Apr 7

    Movies with Meaning: Om Shanti Om

    Time:  5:00pm

    Join us for a screening of the 2007 musical film Om Shanti Om! 

  • Apr 9

    Movies with Meaning: The Handmaiden, and Korean Feather Fans

    Time:  6:30pm

    Join us to watch the 2016 film The Handmaiden and make Korean feather fans!

  • Apr 10
    Headshot of American Novelist Beth Nguyen

    Beth Nguyen: A Reading and Conversation

    Time:  6:00pm

    Beth Nguyen is the author of the memoirs Owner of a Lonely Heart (2023) and Stealing Buddha’s Dinner (2007), as well as the novels Short Girls (2009) and Pioneer Girl (2014). She is the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship and an American Book Award, and her work has appeared in publications including The New Yorker, The Paris Review, Time, and Best American Essays. Nguyen is a professor of creative writing at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.