Collage image of The Fooice of Community and Belonging events

Mission Statement

We recognize that Rose-Hulman is part of a mutually dependent, multifaceted community. As an institution devoted to excellence and innovation in education, we acknowledge our responsibility to create opportunities for growth and development for our constituents (faculty, staff, and students) that aid them to excel in their chosen field(s), including the ability to interact with people of all backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints. The Office of Community and Belonging seeks to advance a sense of belonging on campus where each individual is valued and accepted for their unique experiences, backgrounds, and aptitudes. We acknowledge that growth, learning, and educational experiences can be challenging and uncomfortable, but we recognize that a sense of belonging allows us to be more productive, enhance skills, and create innovation. To achieve this mission, we will:

  • Encourage every individual to respect the inherent dignity of others.
  • Strive to broaden understanding of each individual's unique contribution to society.
  • Promote the core value of lifelong learning and development of skills to enhance professional and personal growth in order to generate the skills necessary for each individual, regardless of their role, to attain individual excellence in their activities on campus and beyond.
  • Engage the Institute community in both broad and specific capacity building development to strengthen professional commitments to well-being initiatives that center psychological safety, comprehensive cross-cultural teambuilding and leadership strategies, and trauma-informed engagement practices.
  • Highlight and strengthen individual awareness of interpersonal communication and intergroup dialogue for the purpose of creating collaborative innovation using strategies that amplify personal relationship building skills and intercultural awareness.
  • Refine institutional values, traditions, policies, practices, and procedures that create a community culture of belonging in which all members and visitors feel accepted as their whole authentic self.

Meet The Team

You can find the Office of Community & Belonging on the first floor of the Mussallem Union, just down the hall from the Lake Room. Our office offers a welcoming environment with a wide range of resources, including workshops and programs, dedicated study areas, a serenity space for meditation and prayer, and more. We’re here to support and connect with you!
Please feel free to reach out anytime at community&belonging@rose-hulman.edu.

Mercedes Clay
Mercedes Clay
Director of Community and Belonging
+1 812-877-8705
Amanda Hobson
Amanda Hobson
Community and Belonging Associate Director
+1 812-877-8179

Community Affinity Groups

Our student chapters of national professional organizations provide support, host events and facilitate networking for their members at Rose-Hulman. They also play a key role in educating our campus about ethnic and cultural differences, and extend their reach into the local community through service and mentoring activities.

National Society of Black Engineers

NSBE is dedicated to both the academic and professional success of African-American engineering students and professionals.

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers

SHPE empowers the Hispanic community to impact the world through STEM awareness, access, support and development.

Society of Women Engineers

SWE supports women in engineering through professional development and networking opportunities.

Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers

SASE exists to prepare Asian heritage scientists and engineers for success in the global business world.

Unity

Unity is a student organization providing a safe place where people can be themselves without fear of prejudice or hate. We also promote a campus environment that is tolerant of all people.

South Asian Student Alliance

SASA was established to foster a sense of community for students of South Asian descent and those who are interested in South Asian culture.

International Student Association

ISA was created to help international students with adjusting to life at Rose as well as promote intercultural communication among all Rose students.  

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship

IV welcomes students into caring, diverse communities, where they can build friendships and explore Christian faith in the marketplace of ideas.

African Student Union

ASU was formed to function as a unifying body for collegiate African students and provide knowledge and resources for the academic, professional, and cultural advancement of our members. 

Muslim Student Association

The mission of MSA is to educate faculty, staff, and students about the religion of Islam and create a welcoming environment for Muslim students on Rose-Hulman’s campus. 

RoseNAACH

Rose Naach is Rose's first Indian Fusion dance team.We are a student-led performance group with dancers of all skills that choreograph and teach various Indian dancing styles. Performances include Diwali, NSBA Talent Show, and Dance Showcase.

A graphic of DREAM: Disability Rights, Education, Activism, & Mentoring Club

Disability Rights, Education, Activism, and Mentoring Club

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Disability Rights, Education, Activism, & Mentoring Club’s goal is to provide a welcoming environment for students with disabilities and their allies to better understand each other.

The Office of Community and Belonging News

the office of community and belonging
There are two images. Left: The cover of "All That She Carried" by Tiya Miles. Right: Tiya Miles.

Rose-Hulman Awarded Funds to Host One State / One Story Community Read

the office of community and belonging
Tara Houska waves from behind a podium with a Rose-Hulman logo.

Houska Provides an Effective Voice for Others in Spring Convocation

the office of community and belonging
Carlotta Berry speaks on the TedxRHIT stage.

Rose-Hulman TEDx Event Showcases STEM Connections that Diversify & Impact the World

Learn More About Rose

Black History at Rose

Check out stories of some of the Black/African American and/or African descent alumni, staff, faculty and students who are part of the Rose‑Hulman community.

Women's History at Rose

Click here to see the stories of some of the female alumnae, staff, faculty and students who are part of the Rose‑Hulman community.

Plan your visit

The best way to get to know Rose-Hulman is by seeing it for yourself. We host campus visit days throughout the year, or you can schedule an individual visit. Our friendly admissions counselors would love to hear from you!

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