We lead the university’s co-curricular efforts to become a more welcoming, diverse, and inclusive community. To achieve this, we work with departments and student organizations across campus to ensure we’re creating an environment where differences are embraced. Our programs play a major role in that, encouraging civil discourse and connecting individuals who share a variety of cultural, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Check out some of the ways that we encourage an open and honest community at Furman.
Cultural heritage and awareness months are an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the history and achievements of marginalized communities in the U.S., and around the world. In partnership with student organizations and University departments, the CIC collaborates on events and programs that commemorate diverse identities, heritages and cultures such as Asian/Pacific Islander, African American/Black history, Hispanic/Latinx, LGBT, Native American and Women’s history, along with other recognized heritage celebrations throughout the academic year.
Furman Alternative Breaks (FAB) are immersive, service-learning experiences offered during spring break that are student-led and facilitated. Program themes are rooted in social justice issues, hands on service-learning opportunities, community partnerships, and reflection exercises. Participants explore a social issue in partnership with stakeholders at many levels in the community. FAB trips work with a campus learning partner prior to the week-long experience for a deep dive into the context of the issue. Learn about Alternative Breaks.
In commemoration of the life and legacy of Revered Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Furman hosts a series of collaborative events surrounding the MLK holiday. As a highlighted event, the MLK Day of Service is a partnership between the Center for Inclusive Communities and Heller Service Corps. This is a powerful opportunity to inspire Furman community members to come together and help those in need, in hopes to lay a foundation for ongoing interest in volunteerism and making a difference. Learn more about MLK Celebration events.
- Day of Service
- Community Breakfast
- Interfaith Celebrations
- Joseph Vaughn Oratorical Contest
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Luncheon
First-Gen Fridays Each year Furman enrolls nearly 100 students seeking to become the first in their immediate family to graduate with a baccalaureate’s degree. On the first Friday of each month in the fall semester, faculty, staff, and students who are first-generation wear t-shirts to build community. The first semester is critical to the retention of all our incoming students. These t-shirts signal to our first-generation students that others like them have been successful in college and provide encouragement during their time of transition.
The #IAmFurman campaign is an initiative where the faces and voices of underrepresented students are highlighted, bringing awareness to the microaggressions and stereotypes many multicultural and LGBTQ+ students face on a daily basis. The purpose of this campaign is to educate the community, while giving students a platform to express their experiences. View the #IAmFurman campaign photos.
Dins Dialogues are co-curricular, peer facilitated workshops aimed to equip students with the skills to collaborate across difference in a diverse and global world, as they work to create lasting, sustainable impact within their communities. These interactive, student facilitated workshops will enhance group solidarity and focus on a variety of social justice topics. Learn about Dins Dialogues.
Safe Zone at Furman University is an educational program geared towards creating an inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community at the Institution. The goal of this program is to raise awareness about the dynamics of gender and sexual orientation while exploring different ways to embody inclusive allyship for people of all orientations, genders, sexualities, identities, and levels of being out. Learn about Safe Zone.
Leaders. Builders. Citizens. The Furman Advantage includes the goal of making “real the citizenship promises of a liberal arts education.” To be an engaged citizen in any community requires a belief you have the ability to affect change whether you hold a formal leadership position or not, the ability to build coalitions of diverse stakeholders to work toward positive change, and desire to question who within the community is privileged or marginalized so that those disempowered can be brought to the table to lend their voice to the decision-making. This pre-orientation program is free as members of the Fellowship are expected to contribute to the Furman community over their four years in order to leave it better than they found it.
A residentially-based diversity & inclusion initiative aligns with Housing and Residence Life’s efforts to cultivate “a strong and inclusive community that encourages collaboration and self-discovery.” D&I Resident Assistants receive specialized training that allow them to be identified as allies for residents from historically underrepresented populations and create and facilitate monthly programming for all residents on topics related to diversity & inclusion.
As part of The Furman Advantage, the university is studying the impact of high school curriculum on subsequent academic pathways. This program was limited to a select number of students who were notified via email prior to Summer Orientation.
The intent of the Cultural Life Program (CLP) is to encourage students to attend a variety of high quality events that provide enriching, challenging cultural experiences. Collectively, events designated as CLPs should engage students in a spectrum of issues, ideas, and artistic expressions from various disciplines and cultures. Events foster a sense of community on campus and help those in attendance see multiple compelling and legitimate views on cultural issues, inspiring a life-long pursuit of intellectual fulfillment and cultural engagement. View upcoming CLP events.
For more information, please contact us.