Office of Diversity Initiatives

The Office of Diversity Initiatives (ODI) serves students, faculty, and staff from underrepresented groups to develop a nurturing and empowering support system at Wilkes University.

We serve persons from Black/African American, Latino/Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, American Indian/Alaskan Native, first generation, disabled, women and LGBTQ groups. The primary goal of the office is to foster appreciation for difference within the classroom and the community.

The center helped me completely reinvent myself. It has been an experience I could not receive anywhere else. The growth in my personal and professional networks are all thanks to the office.

Cindy Peralta Nin ’21 | Criminology Major, Global Coffee Hour Coordinator

Diversity Student Services

The Office of Diversity Initiatives provides educational support and resources for undergraduate and graduate students specifically those from underrepresented groups.

The ODI welcomes the opportunity to assist students with personal, academic and career concerns that impact their academic success. These services are intended to help students successfully complete their degree program. This may include managing roommate conflicts, resolving a bursar balance, understanding university holds or faculty/student conflict resolution. 

The ODI can assist students in a variety of areas such as:

  • Adjustment to life as a college student in the Wilkes-Barre area
  • Navigating the college experience as a first-generation student
  • Interpreting university policies and procedures
  • Understanding major admission requirements  

Visit the Office of Diversity Initiatives at the Max Roth Center on the corner of South Franklin and West South Street or call 570-408-7856 external website to schedule an appointment.

Programming

The ODI provides programming to the campus and community to increase awareness and understanding of diversity that build skills for effectiveness in a diverse world, celebrate differences, and foster learning across social and group boundaries to build an inclusive community.