Intercultural Student Engagement

Our world is home to billions of people with thousands of cultures, and we know each of us has our own labels and identities for ourselves. At UNE, we understand that college can be a valuable time to explore who you are and to learn about people different than you. The Office of Intercultural Student Engagement helps to facilitate that learning through educational and co-curricular programs that help raise cultural awareness and appreciation for persons of diverse backgrounds.

Events

We provide an array of events including educational lectures, co-curricular programs and workshops, and student leadership opportunities that promote diversity and enhance cross-cultural understanding. Most events are open to the entire UNE community and many are open to the general public too.

Diversity Leadership Badge

The UNE Diversity Leadership Badge is a co-curricular leadership development program for all students designed to increase your awareness about multicultural and social justice issues.

Spaces

Our office has spaces on both the Portland and Biddeford campuses, including a Cultural Exchange Lounge and Interfaith Prayer and Reflection rooms

We work to connect members of the UNE community with the resources they need to best engage in cross-cultural learning and to feel comfortable on our campuses.

Explore ISE Resources

UNE’s history of support for traditionally under-represented students is long and reflects the demographics of our students over time. Following recommendation from the President’s committee on diversity, a single staff member was hired in the mid-2000s to support students of color in their academic pursuits. Shortly after, the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Diversity was founded, with an expanded mission of support for LGBTQ+ persons. The office and Cultural Exchange Lounge were originally located in the lower level of Decary Hall on UNE’s Biddeford Campus, but now call the Campus Center home. Over time, additional staff were hired, the scope of the office expanded to formally include religious and spiritual education and services have grown greatly. Today, we provide support services to students, staff, and faculty on UNE’s Biddeford and Portland campuses.

In the summer of 2015, we changed our name to Intercultural Student Engagement to reflect changes in universities throughout New England and to better describe our work: learning and understanding across cultural divisions and differences.