Signature Programs

The Center for Diversity and Social Justice oversees several signature programs. These unique programs range from a social justice fellowship to a mentoring program for first-year students that matches mentors and mentees on a broad variety of criteria. The purpose of these programs is to put the concepts of diversity and social justice into action in a visible, useful way that reaches beyond private spaces into the broader community.

Theresa Palmer Society

The goal of the Theresa Palmer Society, named for Susquehanna University’s first African American woman graduate, is to foster personal transformation, intercultural engagement and increased personal agency for women of diverse backgrounds. The society brings together diverse women to share, discover and celebrate issues related to women, culture and leadership.

Peer Mentoring

The Susquehanna University Mentoring Program matches experienced students with newer students in a one-on-one relationship that offers guidance, study skills and opportunities to connect with others. Our mentors address social issues, family transitions, college challenges and general issues of adjustment. The program aims to meet students’ requests for matches based on racial, ethnic, cultural, gender, sexual orientation and religious preferences.

Activist in Residence

The most powerful activists in the world are people who are unashamedly themselves. The CDSJISS Activist in Residence will present opportunities for activism in daily living. Activists will work within the classroom, residence halls and other venues that promote an organic approach to addressing issues of diversity, equality and social justice.

Haven

Haven is a confidential peer support group for bisexual, lesbian, gay, transgender and queer students. Please contact Dena Salerno for meeting times/places during the academic year.

Fellowships

The Carl H. Hitchner Fellowship for Sexual and Gender Minorities and Social Justice engages university juniors and seniors in critical evaluation of diversity and social justice systems at Susquehanna University. Fellows work with a faculty or staff adviser to research, design and implement a program to address issues they have identified. Fellows are provided a $3,500 annual stipend plus a $1,000 operating budget. Examples of fellowship projects include research on understanding and exploring diversity at SU, and projects that address gender or sexual bias.