Queens University of Charlotte is a small campus where students get the opportunity to build close relationships with peers and to develop strong advising and mentoring relationships with faculty and staff. Community building is important for student success and for a college experience that provides connection and belonging. For historically minoritized students—first-generation college students, students of color, LGBTQ students, international students, and students from non-dominant faith traditions—finding a community that feels supportive and affirming is one of the most important parts of the college experience. Below are ways students can connect with peers who share similar backgrounds and experiences.
The Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Community Engagement (DICE) provides transformative experiences that increase awareness, knowledge, and skills for members of our campus community to rise up and thrive in a global society. DICE is located in the Multicultural Suite (on the lower level of Dana Hall) and includes the DICE Lounge—a space for faculty, staff, and students to hang out, enjoy snacks, study, or host meetings. The DICE staff provides cultural programming throughout the year, support for individual students and multicultural organizations, and coordinates both the L.E.A.D. and iBelong mentoring programs.
For more information, visit the DICE Lounge or reach out to Darryl White, Sr. (whited4@queens.edu) or Rosa Ramirez (ramirezr2@queens.edu).
Queens University of Charlotte recognizes the integral relationship between mind, body, and spirit, encouraging students to nourish each in healthy and balanced ways. Students are encouraged to draw from their spiritual wells while being enriched through the encounter with people who draw from different wells. The Spiritual Life team works collaboratively across Queens to create spaces for faculty, staff, and students to critically and openly engage with diverse religious, spiritual, and secular worldviews.
For more information about Spiritual Life at Queens, faith-based student organizations, or ways to get involved or worship on campus or in the local community, please visit Belk Chapel or contact Adrian Bird, University Chaplain (birda@queens.edu).
Queens University of Charlotte attracts students from around the world and provides opportunities for community building and rich engagement on campus and in the local community. The International Student Services (ISS) Office works to ensure international students successfully transition to Queens, hosts International Student Orientation each fall and spring semester, provides resources related to seeking on-campus employment for international students who are eligible to work in the U.S., and offers cultural programming throughout the academic year.
For more information about ISS, stop by Knight-Crane Hall, Room 103, or email international@queens.edu.
The Stan Greenspon Holocaust and Social Justice Education Center is a vibrant hub for social change on the Queens campus. Its mission is to develop informed and engaged global citizens who, grounded in their own identity, are prepared to respond to prejudice and discrimination with actions advocating human rights for all. Its educational offerings are transformative—engaging Queens students, staff and faculty, and the broader Charlotte community. Rooted in hope, four branches bear the fruit of its work: Holocaust Education, Social Justice and Community Organizing, Multicultural Connections, and Jewish Studies.
For more information about the Stan Greenspon Holocaust and Social Justice Education Center, visit the center on the first floor of Dana Hall or contact Rabbi Judy Schindler (schindlerj@queens.edu, 704-688-2775).
The Center for Latino Studies creates an intellectual and physical space where scholars, local leaders, students, and the wider community can engage in research, cultural exploration, and dialogue about the Latino/a/x community’s contributions and experiences. In keeping with the Queens commitment to community engagement, the Center also engages in community projects that support the broader Latino/a/x population.
For more information about the Center for Latino Studies or its events, contact Michele Shaul, Ph.D. (shaulm@queens.edu).
Queens University of Charlotte welcomes the many members of our student community who are military veterans. The Veterans Lounge, located on the lower level of Dana Hall, is a place where student veterans can gather for camaraderie, studying, eating lunch, or hanging out between classes. It is also a great space to connect with members of QU4Troops, the Student Veterans Association group at Queens.
For more information, please contact Darryl White, Sr. (whited4@queens.edu, 704-337-2320).
The iBelong Mentoring Program offers support strategies to improve outcomes for young men of color by increasing purpose, brotherhood, social capital, and community service. Student participants are connected with faculty and staff men of color for ongoing mentoring. The primary focus areas include academic success, career readiness, and increased social capital.
For more information about the iBelong Mentoring Program, stop by the DICE Lounge (on the lower level of Dana Hall) or contact Darryl White, Sr. (whited4@queens.edu).
Finding ways to not only get involved on campus but to also be connected to a community that feels supportive and affirming is one of the most important pathways to thriving in college. There are many student organizations at Queens that are identity-focused and provide space for historically minoritized students—students of color, LGBTQ students, first-generation college students, and students from non-dominant faith traditions—to make friends and find a sense of belonging. These groups meet regularly and provide an opportunity for connection, collaboration, and informal peer support.
Groups associated with the Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Community Engagement (DICE) include:
For information about any of these student organizations, stop by the DICE Lounge (on the lower level of Dana Hall) or contact Rosa Ramirez (ramirezr2@queens.edu).
Groups associated with Spiritual Life include:
For information about any of these student organizations, stop by Belk Chapel or contact Adrian Bird, University Chaplain (birda@queens.edu).
Groups associated with Fraternity & Sorority Life include:
For information about either of these organizations, contact the Fraternity and Sorority Life office (fsl@queens.edu).
There is an organization for first-generation college students (F1rst Gen Club) associated with the Center for Student Success.
For more information about connecting with first-generation students, contact Kristina Siarzynski-Ferrer (siarzynski-ferrerk@queens.edu).
QU4Troops is the Student Veterans Association group at Queens committed to building community among military members as they transition back to school. Besides mentoring, social events, and education, the group works closely with local organizations to continue the practice of service.
For questions about QU4Troops, stop by the DICE Lounge (on the lower level of Dana Hall) or contact Darryl White, Sr. (whited4@queens.edu).