People in the audience of a New York State Writers Institute presentation People in the audience of a New York State Writers Institute presentation

Intercultural Student Engagement

Fostering an inclusive and welcoming campus environment for all. 

You Belong at UAlbany

The Office of Intercultural Student Engagement (ISE) advocates for students from historically underrepresented communities and promotes the development of cultural competence, personal growth and leadership skills.

We provide spaces where you can learn more about yourself and others through meaningful intercultural experiences.  

ISE spaces include: 

Join a Group
Four young women chat around a table with laptops and notepads open.

UAlbany is home to student groups that explore culture, spirituality, gender and sexuality and more.

Get Involved
Two African American dancers wearing traditional garb perform on stage.

ISE centers and student groups hold numerous events throughout the year to celebrate cultural heritage and diversity.

Help Others
Two students staff the desk for the Sexual Health and Peer Education (SHAPE) program.

Volunteer at one of our centers, conduct a peer education program or take on an internship. You can help!

 

We Promote Diversity, Inclusion and an LGBTQ+ Friendly Climate 

The University at Albany earned 5 out of 5 stars from Campus Pride Index, a national assessment guide that helps students find universities and colleges that create safer, more inclusive campus communities for LGBTQ+ people.

LBBTQ-Friendly Campus - Campus Pride - 5 out of 5 stars Campus Pride Star Rating 2024

UAlbany is the first SUNY campus to achieve a 5-star rating from the index that was established in 2007 to help assess and improve LGBTQ+-friendly policies, programs and practices. 

An example of the University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is Intersections, a two-day workshop for new students stressing the importance of social justice, diversity, equity and inclusion. The workshop is led by UAlbany students trained as peer educators. 

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How We Can Help You

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Leadership Development

ISE organizes annual student leadership retreats and other programs designed to enhance your leadership skills. It also advises the Multicultural Student Advisory Committee (MSAC), a coalition of ALANA and LGBTQ+ student leaders that promotes collaboration among member groups and unity among students, empowering them to recognize their individual and collective impact.

Cultural and Social Programs

ISE actively supports cultural, educational and social programs such as the Dr. Martin Luther King/African Heritage Month Luncheon, the Annual National Latino Collegiate Conference, the Asian Occasion and Lavender Graduation. 

Pre-professional Opportunities

We offer information, placements and referrals for summer and academic year internships as well as laboratory research assistant opportunities.

Recognition Programs

ISE sponsors various programs, such as the annual Dr. Seth W. Spellman Achievement Awards, which honor the achievements of students of African, Latino, Asian, and Native American heritage in scholarship, leadership, and community service. Additionally, the Lavender Awards celebrate individuals who advance LGBTQ+ inclusion throughout the campus.

Recruitment

In cooperation with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, ISE supports campus visitation programs and participates in college nights, recruitment fairs and related activities.

Counseling

Professional and peer student staff work with Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) to offer you information, advice and referrals as appropriate. Professional staff monitor your academic progress and can recommend strategies for improvement. 

Academic Support

We collaborate with Tutoring & Academic Support to inform you about upcoming seminars and workshops on note taking, test preparation, time management and other essential classroom and study skills. 

Career Services

The UAlbany Career Center, ISE and other professional agencies coordinate seminars designed to prepare you for a professional career. The seminars include mock interviews, resume preparation and critiques, networking skills development and assistance with finding internships. We can also help you prepare for GRE, MCAT and LSAT exams.

Our Staff

staff
Courtney D'Allaird
Courtney D'Allaird
Assistant Director of Intercultural Student Engagement; Coordinator of the Gender & Sexuality Resource Center
Intercultural Student Engagement
Campus Center B91
Pronouns: They, Them, Theirs
Contact Intercultural Student Engagement
Campus Center West B91

1400 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12222
United States

Phone
Fax
518-442-5589
Office Hours

Academic Year: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Monday through Friday  
Summer: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
Monday through Friday