Programs and Resources

Seeking to explore intersectional identities and develop cultural competency.

There are many resources and programs on campus that explore intersectional identities and seek to develop cultural competency through student engagement, programming, and meaningful dialogue. From academic programs to student organizations dedicated to diversity education, we are committed to supporting and educating the entire Purchase community.

Academic Programs

Asian Studies
Casa Purchase: An Outreach Center for Latin American Studies
Gender Studies
Global Black Studies
Latin American Studies
Language and Culture

Educational Opportunity Program

The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and Merit Access Program (MAP) community at Purchase College provides the opportunity for a college education for students who have not reached their full academic potential because of limited financial resources and inadequate academic preparation. EOP at Purchase has a committed, dedicated staff who are eager to assist students succeed. Located in Student Services Building, Room 217.

Multicultural Center Diversity Team

The Diversity Team (formerly known as the Student Affairs/Enrollment Management Diversity Committee) will focus on planning and executing diversity programs and education in alignment with the strategic diversity efforts of the college. The committee will organize programs that concentrate on diversity topics, including but not limited to access, equity, identity, privilege, discrimination, systemic racism, vocabulary, civic programs and support campus partners in planning and implementing diversity programs.

Senate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

This is a standing committee of the Purchase College Senate made up of faculty and staff that supports The Purchase College Diversity Plan.

Monthly Celebrations and Awareness Programs

Each month our staff is committed to celebrating and honoring the cultures and identities of our community. The programming tied to these months provide opportunities for students and staff to connect, learn and recognize the complexities of cultural identity and self exploration.

Though events are hosted during their celebrated months, our programming and dialogue is not limited to those sole four weeks.

Latinx Heritage Month: September 15-October 15
LGBTQ History Month: October
Disability Awareness Month: October
Native American Heritage Month: November
World AIDS Day: December 1
Black History Month: February
Women’s History Month: March
Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month: April

PSGA Cultural Student Organizations

The organizations below are part of the Purchase Student Government Association (PSGA). See more information on the Purchase Pantherlink site.

American Sign Language
LGBTQU
Disabled Students’ Union
F.O.R.T.H.
Hillel
Humans of Polynesian and Asian Ancestry (HAPA)
Latinx Unidos
The Organization of African People in the Americas (O.A.P.I.A.)
Students of Caribbean Ancestry (S.O.C.A.)

PSGA Student Diversity Committee

The PSGA committee is made up of voting members of the Purchase College Student Government Association:

(2) Senators appointed by the chair of Senate in consultation with the Chair of the Student Diversity Committee
(2) CoCos or Service Board representatives who are appointed by the Chair
(2) students at large who are appointed by the Chair

To increase awareness, encourage, and facilitate diversity within all spheres of the Campus Community.
To educate the Campus at large as to how their actions and diction affect people within different ranges of sensitivity when it comes various social, economic, and political issues.
To brainstorm, plan, and execute initiatives in collaboration with PSGA operations that will offer a more diverse, thought provoking and accepting college experience for Purchase College Students.
To initiate programs with the Student Affairs Diversity Committee, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, and the Purchase College Staff
To encourage programming at all major events and general events, which celebrate people of varying race, ethnicity, cultural heritage, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, ability and the other categories of the Non-Discrimination Clause.
To address situations where differences would hinder the atmosphere of learning at Purchase College.

Upcoming Events

Nov 10

A Reading and Conversation with Nora Claire Miller

Time: 6:30pm
Nov 11

“All We Can Imagine as Light” Film Screening with Commentary by Gaura Narayan

Time: 5:00pm

Grand Prize Winner at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, All We Imagine as Light offers a sensitive and woman-centered portrait of working-class life in Mumbai. Following the lives of two nurses and a hospital cook, director Payal Kapadia captures the complex mix of constraints, indignities, moments of transcendence and gestures of solidarity that characterize daily life in a South Asian megacity.

Film screening will be followed by a Q&A with Professor Gaura Narayan.
Dinner is provided by Mumbai Katta Restaurant of Port Chester.
Nov 11

Corn Husk Dolls

Time: 6:30pm

In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, join us to make corn husk dolls!
Nov 12

“Let’s All Sing!”: Discovering Community Through Yiddish Song

Time: 7:00pm

Professor Zeke Levine talks about how Yiddish song has been a fundamental aspect of cultural life within a variety of communities in the United States, from early 20^th century urban immigrant enclaves to Yiddish schools and summer camps.

The tradition continues today with contemporary klezmer festivals and workshops. This talk introduces audiences to both the history and repertoire of Yiddish song in America and the communities who have fostered Yiddish music from the 1900s until the present day. “Let’s All Sing” was the title of a 1956 songbook, Lomir Ale Zingen.