The Center

The Center for International Programs and Inclusive Excellence (The Center) develops, promotes, and supports a welcoming environment for our diverse campus community by promoting equity, educational opportunities, global understanding, and intercultural awareness where all members are valued, supported, and respected.

Located in the Occhiato Student Center (OSC), room 104/106, the Center is a space for students to seek resources and find community. Programs housed in The Center are CAMP, Spiritual Life, First-Generation Mentoring Programs, UnDocu Student Support, HSI Initatives, Study Abroad, the English Language Institute, National Student Exchange, and International Programs.

The Center staff maintains an open door policy, ensuring that every student has an opportunity to be heard and helped when needed.

Inclusive Excellence

Diversity

The Center collaborates with several organizations and departments to sponsor diversity programming throughout the year. These activities are held in conjunction with national holidays and cultural celebrations and are open to the entire student population and the local community.

Examples include: Hispanic Heritage Month, Martin Luther King’s Birthday, Black History Month, International Education Week, LGBTQ+ History Month, Native American Heritage Month, Women’s History Month, Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and more.

Training

The Center provides diversity training to students throughout the academic year on topics including cultural awareness, safe zone/LGBTQ+ Ally training, microaggression training, undocumented student support, and first generation college students support. Student organizations and departments can request training sessions by contacting the Center at 719-549-2329.

Academic Support

Intellectual growth is important outside the classroom; therefore, activities and programs involving academic and student services departments are scheduled throughout the term to assist students to develop critical thinking; provide students with the skills necessary to maximize their talents and knowledge in order to advance towards a degree; and develop an understanding of diversity in literature, art, mathematics, science, and social science.

The Center also utilizes a variety of strategies such as cultural and diversity workshops and programs to develop an awareness of the diversity in our global society.

Leadership

The Center provides information for students to learn about educational and career opportunities. The Center staff conducts, supports, and co-sponsors programs that encourage student learning and enhance student retention such as local and national internships, conferences, and workshops. 

Facilities, Technology, and Equipment

The Center offers space for students to gather and meet. There are computer workstations, study areas, a microwave, a television, and lounge seating. The Center is open from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and offers extended hours to accommodate student organizations throughout the academic year. The Center is available upon request for the utilization of student organizations, departments, or committees by calling (719) 549-2329.

Support for International Students

International Student  Orientation

All new international students to CSU Pueblo are required to participate in a mandatory orientation upon arrival. During orientation, new students will learn important information about maintaining their visa status and ways to be successful as a student.  New students will be administered English, math, and reading placement exams. Results determine registration into the appropriate course(s) and do not affect admission to the University.

Advising

The Center provides advising for international students on ways to maintain their international student status and comply with visa regulations. International students will be connected to their Success Coach or Academic Advisor for assistance with registering for classes. 

Activities

International students are encouraged to participate in all activities offered by CSU Pueblo. In addition, the Center hosts individual events throughout the academic year. Annual events include International Education Week, holiday celebrations, and other cultural programs.

English Tutoring

All international students are able to obtain free tutoring, as needed, in the area of language skill development. Individual and group appointments can be made in The Center. Other academic tutoring is available across campus in various academic subjects.

National Student Exchange (NSE)

National Student Exchange (NSE) is a program of over 200 colleges and universities that assist undergraduate students in attending American universities in almost every state and several U.S. territories for up to one year.

Instead of crossing oceans, NSE students cross state, regional, provincial, and cultural borders.

Federally-funded financial aid may be used by eligible Study Abroad/NSE participants enrolling at U.S. member colleges and universities.

Interested students can contact The Center and speak with the NSE coordinator, who will assist in finding the right university with the right combination of courses, facilities, and environment to meet student’s academic and personal needs, and interests. The Center is located in the OSC, Suite 104/106. Phone: (719) 549-2329.

Study Abroad Programs

Colorado State University Pueblo recognizes the benefit of an education that includes international experiences. Consequently, the University encourages students with second language proficiency, when appropriate, to enroll in the CSU Pueblo Study Abroad Program. Students wishing to increase cultural awareness or competency in subjects offered in international settings are encouraged to contact The Center. Study abroad opportunities for CSU Pueblo students are presently available in accredited universities in France, Germany, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Spain, the Czech Republic, and Thailand. Some schools teach in English; therefore, second language proficiency may not be required.

For more information call (719) 549-2329 or email victoria.ruiz@csupueblo.edu. Contact may be made directly with the study abroad coordinator by visiting Suite 104/106 in the Occhiato Student Center.