Marquette Today

Campus News and Events

Please note that campus gatherings are currently limited due to COVID-19. See respective capacities for indoor, outdoor, religious and political events. Submit events for approval at marquette.edu/event-services.

For more coronavirus information and regular updates, visit marquette.edu/coronavirus.

Menu

  • Campus News
    • Top News for Students
    • Top News for Faculty & Staff
    • Magazines at Marquette
    • Campus Alerts
  • Archives
  • Submit news
    • Editorial Guidelines
    • Contacts
  • @MarquetteToday
  • University Calendar
  • Topics
    • Community Engagement
    • Diversity
    • Innovation
    • Master Planning
    • Marquette Momentum
    • Research
    • Strategic Planning
  • April 14, 2021

We Are All Marquette: New RISE program helps welcome students of color

September 24, 2018

Celebrating diversity and inclusion at Marquette University

By Alan Chavoya, graduate assistant in the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion

On Aug. 21–22, 2018, Marquette hosted its inaugural RISE (Ready to Inspire Success and Excellence) pre-orientation program for students of color. Led by the Division of Student Affairs, and in collaboration with the Office of Admissions and the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion, this program provides multicultural and underrepresented students with additional resources, connections, a stronger sense of belonging, and context prior to the official start of the school year. Approximately 50 first-year and transfer students participated in this year’s program. Besides being the first cohort of students to participate in RISE, these students have also helped make the current student body the most diverse in Marquette’s history.

RISE kicked off with a lunch in which Provost Dan Myers, Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Xavier Cole and Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Joya Crear welcomed the incoming students and their families. The program also included community-building activities, workshops to develop skills and strategies for a successful Marquette experience, a panel of faculty who shared tips on academic habits, an honest conversation with student mentors on navigating a predominantly white institution and a historical tour of Milwaukee. Participants also had an opportunity to hear from President Michael R. Lovell over breakfast in the new Commons residence hall facility. It was important for RISE to offer opportunities for incoming students to interact not only with other students from similar backgrounds, but also with staff, faculty and administrators of color in order to foster community connections.

The experiences of those involved with RISE have both prompted excitement for the future of the program and emphasized the impact of intentional programming for students of color. As Sonia Escamilla, graduate student in student affairs in higher education and a student mentor at RISE, said, “I got involved with the program because I wanted the students to feel welcomed and help them understand that being first-generation and a student of color can be scary, but there are people that support them and are willing to help them through this transition. It means a lot to me that there is growing programming for these student populations because I was once in their position.”

As Marquette continues to strive to be a community that demonstrates its commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, programs like RISE are a reminder of the importance of creating an environment where all community members feel welcomed and supported.


Celebrating diversity and inclusion at Marquette University

Filed Under: For Faculty/Staff, For Students, Home - Top Stories, News, We Are All Marquette Tagged With: Diversity

More news

Construction update on campus: North sidewalk of Wisconsin Avenue to temporarily close starting April 19

April 13, 2021

On-campus vaccine clinic for April 14 canceled

April 13, 2021

Humanities, social science departments to host “From Classes to Careers” panel, April 14

April 12, 2021

A message from university leaders following fatal police shooting in Minnesota; campus resources available

April 12, 2021

Virtual Faculty Forum will be April 28

April 12, 2021

‘Touchstones: Stories of Hope and Inspiration’ is April 23

April 12, 2021

Marquette to restore full 403(b) retirement plan match for eligible employees May 1

April 12, 2021

Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin Blood Drive is April 13

April 12, 2021

Soup with Substance: ‘Climate action at Marquette: Why our Jesuit values and environmental justice advocacy go hand-in-hand’ is April 14

April 12, 2021

Coffee chat with Grammy Award-winner Rhiannon Giddens is April 23

April 12, 2021

Beyond MU: ‘Creating Inclusive Innovation in Your Organization’ is April 15

April 12, 2021

‘Humanities Research Colloquium’ is April 19

April 12, 2021

‘First Look Forum: What’s Brewing in MKE?’ is April 21

April 12, 2021

Beyond MU webinar ‘Revitalizing Student Success through Innovative Leadership Programs’ is May 7

April 12, 2021

Nominations for Staff Senate begin May 3 

April 9, 2021

More news

Quick Links

  • Faculty/Staff News
  • Student News
  • Magazines at Marquette

Featured Stories

Indigenous voices making change on campus

Indigenous voices making change on campus

Andrea García, graduate assistant in the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion, speaks with two campus community members who have been instrumental in making Marquette a more inclusive place for Indigenous students.

A culmination of dreams

A culmination of dreams

Attending Marquette as a first-generation student

Boost your happy

Boost your happy

Marquette dentistry professor shares simple, natural ways to boost levels of happiness

Read more featured stories.

Human Resources News

Registration for April and May GROW classes now open

Wellness, mental health and development resources available for faculty and staff

New TED Talk discussion group available to faculty and staff

Research

Virtual Distinguished Scholars Program to recognize faculty for excellence in research, April 13

Inaugural class of ‘Advancing Social Equity Research Grants’ announced 

Faculty and staff grants: January 2021

Awards & Accomplishments

Theology professor chosen as first participant for AJCU fellowship program

Two biological sciences professors named Ecological Society of America fellows

Dr. Noelle Brigden named 2021 Way Klingler Sabbatical Award winner

Marquette UniversityCopyright 2021 by Marquette University
MARQUETTE.EDU // CONTACTS // A TO Z