Diversity Statement
The Wartburg College community is committed to creating and maintaining a mutually respectful environment that recognizes and celebrates diversity among all students, faculty, and staff. Wartburg values human differences as an asset, works to sustain a culture that reflects the interests, contributions, and perspectives of members of diverse groups; and delivers educational programming to meet the needs of diverse audiences. We also seek to instill those values, understandings and skills to encourage leadership and service in a global multicultural society.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
MULTICULTURAL STUDENT SERVICES
In addition to our Multicultural Student Services Office, several college committees and organizations work to promote an inclusive campus community. Among those are the:
The Multicultural Student Services Office develops and promotes multicultural programming and activities to help all students understand and appreciate differences. The director promotes academic success by providing academic guidance, personal support, cultural resources and leadership opportunities to enhance the educational experience and facilitate the academic and personal growth of American ethnic students. The department recognizes the richness of diversity as a part of the Wartburg College experience and assists with the promoting of diverse ideas, cultures, and opportunities that support student success.
Krystal Madlock
Associate Dean for Inclusive Community
Diversity Committees & Councils
Multicultural Diversity Studies Committee, a standing committee of the faculty that monitors and evaluates outcomes of educational programs related to multiculturalism and diversity. The committee also makes recommendations on policies and procedures regarding the college’s efforts to promote all aspects of multicultural and diversity studies.
Community Response Team, which works to ensure meaningful, timely, and transparent responses to incidents of bias that impact the campus community. The team, created by the Diversity and Inclusion Council, was formed in fall 2017 and meets when needed to discuss events that threaten the Wartburg campus culture. Regular reports are posted as needed to reflect how incidents are handled by the college.
Diversity Committee, embedded in the Wartburg College Student Senate structure. The committee works to further diversity on campus through a close relationship with diverse groups and is chaired by the executive assistant to diversity.
Diversity and Inclusion Council, which serves to advance the college’s goals regarding diversity and inclusion. The council, chaired by Krystal Madlock, is responsible for the Co-Curricular Diversity and Inclusion Plan. The plan outlines the college’s top priorities related to diversity and inclusion, including ensuring diverse and inclusive perspectives and concerns are included in institutional level decision making; increasing the number of faculty, staff, and administrator diversity champions; and enhancing inclusivity in the campus climate champions.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES
The International Student Programs Office, Saemann Student Center 185, provides services to international students and seeks to promote global understanding through campus, intercollegiate, and community outreach. The primary role of the International Student Programs Office is immigration advising to ensure that foreign nationals maintain proper immigration status with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and compliance operations for Wartburg College. The office also provides a new international student orientation, material support, and advising on employment, Social Security, health insurance, and cross-cultural communication. Additionally, the office coordinates the Friendship Family program, which pairs local families with international students, and Global Connections, a student-led initiative to increase cultural competence on Wartburg’s campus through peer-mentoring programs and more.
Zafrul Amin
Director of International Student Services Office
MAKING CONNECTIONS
Special interest groups and clubs, like the Asian Student Association, Black Student Union, Spanish and Latin Student Association (SALSA), International Club, and Alliance, support diverse students and perspectives and are open to all Wartburg College students. Annual multicultural programs include early orientation, Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Day of Service, Gayla Week, and Culture Week.
The purpose of Alliance is to provide a supportive and accepting environment for students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and to educate and provide resources to the Wartburg community to encourage open discussion about diverse issues pertaining to sexuality. The group seeks to generate awareness about LGBT issues and advocate for more inclusive environments on campus, locally, and nationally. Alliance is open to all members of the Wartburg community. You do not need to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender to participate in Alliance. VISIT OUR WEBSITE >>
Alliance Adviser
Jared Feigenbaum
Admissions CRM & Communications Strategist
Asian Student Association (ASA) is an all-inclusive organization of Wartburg College, with a membership that includes both Internationals and Americans. This organization is dedicated to create a fundamental awareness of Asian cultures among Wartburg and Waverly community, and to encourage participation among students on campus. VIEW OUR WEBSITE >>
ASA Adviser
Joyce Boss
Professor of English; Co-Director, Multicultural and Diversity Studies
BSU is a political, social & educational organization whose main purpose is to express and support black perspective throughout campus life. BSU shall create awareness & stimulate an appreciation of Black American’s contributions to our culture and society. The objectives of BSU are to promote unity and cooperative interaction between students, faculty and staff. It is also the goal of BSU to increase community awareness of, and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of Black Americans on the local, national and international level. If you are interested in joining BSU, e-mail krystal.madlock@wartburg.edu.
BSU Adviser
Krystal Madlock
Associate Dean for Inclusive Community
The International Club is the International Student Body of Wartburg College and is the largest student organization at Wartburg College, with a membership of over 400 people which includes both internationals and Americans. Membership of the International Club is open to all students and members of the faculty, staff, and also residents of the Waverly/Shell Rock community. VIEW OUR WEBSITE >>
I-Club Adviser
Zafrul Amin
Director of International Student Services Office
INFORMATION COMING SOON.
Wartburg College is rooted in the Lutheran tradition while deeply valuing the insight and wisdom from other religious and secular worldviews. We believe that diverse perspectives benefit everyone and are an essential part of learning and growth.
Spiritual Life and Campus ministry supports students of all religious and secular backgrounds. We seek to meet the spiritual and religious needs of our diverse campus community while also building bridges of compassion and understanding through interfaith engagement.
Spiritual Life and Campus Ministry has received a “Reconciling in Christ” designation, which means that the office is fully supportive, welcoming, and affirming of all sexual orientations and gender identities. We also strive for racial and ability equity in our office and beyond. This is in line with both our Lutheran identity and our college’s values of diversity and inclusion.
SLCM Adviser
Maggie Garberg Falenschek
Chaplain, Dean of Spiritual Life, Herbert and Cora Moehlmann Chaplaincy Chair
CELEBRATING DIFFERENCES
Culture Week is an annual tradition where international students provide a glimpse of life in their countries.
CHALLENGE IDEAS AND LEARN FROM OTHERS. EXPERIENCE MORE.