Center for Intercultural Development
Welcome!
The Center of Intercultural Development (CID) is a social justice-focused, research-based learning organization designed to support students holding intersecting marginalized identities that include but are not limited to first-generation students, international students, students of color, American Indian students, and many others through their college journey at St. Kate’s.
Students who participate in the multifaceted opportunities through CID receive support that will enhance their academic success, social and professional connections, and ultimately their individual learning. Our CID team provides direction and support to core components of the success and implementation of initiatives for students enrolled across all three colleges: College for Women, College for Adults, and Graduate College, and is designed to help students move from day one to beyond graduation.
If you are looking for a place to be in community with others, expand your network, engage in your personal learning, a place to study, or simply have a tea or snack break between classes, we invite you to the CID suite!
Mission
The Center for Intercultural Development (CID) and the student collectively engage in community, empowering individual identity-based learning and social justice development.
The five guiding values of the Center for Intercultural Development are:
- Personal Success
- Connections
- Social Justice
- Research-Based
- Well-Being
Getting Involved
We welcome all students who are excited to participate and engage with CID! Learn about our Pillar Initiatives and Signature Events, which include our Peer Mentor Initiative, Twin Cities Immersive Experiences, Speaker Series, 5th Week Assessment, Microgrants, the Celebration of Achievement, and much more, by visiting our Getting Involved page. Here, you will also be able to choose to join a General and/or Identity-Based Community to be regularly informed about CID-sponsored events and opportunities.
International Student Resources
We have many international student resources available, including obtaining a visa, an arrival checklist, maintaining full-time student status, employment opportunities, and on-campus activities for international students.
Additional Student Resources (DACA, Undocumented, Mixed Status Families)
Attending a university can be an exciting and daunting experience for those in unique status situations, and it often comes with its triumphs and challenges. CID is here as a resource for those whose legal immigration status may cause barriers to success. Please reach out to us if you have any questions.
Additional Identity-Based Student Organizations
Student organizations at St. °µÍø½ûÇø provide opportunities to engage and learn as students pursue their interests, identities, and passions with other students. Student organizations further enhance the academic experience by providing additional engagement opportunities and resource access.
Queer Student Services
Explore a safe and inclusive space tailored for queer students, offering support, resources, and community engagement. Our Queer Student Services webpage provides a welcoming environment, fostering empowerment, advocacy, and education for all identities
About Us
The department team provides direction to core components of the success and implementation of CID initiatives for students enrolled across all three colleges: College for Women, College for Adults, and the Graduate College.
Riley Swope(she/her)
Coordinator of Multicultural Student Success & Retention
Position Overview: This position leads the implementation of research-based student retention initiatives designed for domestic College for Adults & Graduate College students and co-leads the Peer Mentor Initiative.
About Riley: Riley's roots are grounded at a Catholic women's liberal arts institution, Saint Mary’s College, where she earned her B.A degree in Speech-Language Pathology with minors in Spanish and Bilingual Education. Across her lived experiences combined with her past roles, she has a deep commitment to identity-based work in order to holistically support students, which has included remaining culturally connected to the communities she serves. Riley joined St. °µÍø½ûÇø shortly after being selected and completing a 9-month Fulbright Scholar experience in Ecuador where she collaborated with fellow English teachers at local higher education institutions to collectively identify innovative teaching methods, implement lesson plans, and much more.
Teng Xu (he/him)
International Student Services Coordinator
Position Overview: This position’s primary responsibility is the development, implementation and coordination of support and retention programs for international students. This person is also the main Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) for the University, providing advising on personal, social, visa-related, vocational, and academic matters. This position also serves as the Responsible Officer (RO) for the J-1 program.
About Teng: Teng earned his M.Ed. in Second Language and Culture and B.A. in Communication Studies at the University of Minnesota. He is an educator by trade; for 10 years, he has worked in the K-12 system where he served on numerous committees aimed to propel social justice initiatives for the betterment of the students' experience. Teng was also an international student himself many years ago. During his free time, he likes to watch movies, jog, and spend time with family and friends.
Open Position
Director
Position Overview: This position provides oversight and direction to the entire department. This position directly supervises the Coordinators. The director also serves as a liaison with partners internally and externally across campus.
Notice of Nondiscrimination
All student clubs and organizations recognized by the University are open to all students at St. Kate's regardless of race, age, ethnicity, religion, gender, ability, veteran status, and all other protected classes of identity. Additionally, all offices and resources at St. °µÍø½ûÇø provides support and services to all students, faculty, and staff. All are welcome!