Diversity Support

The Dean of Students Diversity Advisory Group is a forum for the Dean of Students and other administrators to hear directly from students about their experiences to better advocate for a more inclusive learning environment that supports unique perspectives and values differences.

Through our initiatives and student organizations, we hope to offer an accepting, diverse, inclusive, engaging and cultured experience to all of our students.

For a complete listing of the diversity organizations at UT, visit the Involve UT page and search for "diversity."

The Spartan Inclusion Team is an ongoing working group to ensure that UT is actively working toward the inclusion of all staff, faculty and students. This group consists of divisional leaders who act as proxies on behalf of their vice president or senior administrator. The individual is appointed by their senior administrator and is expected to be the conduit to ensure accountability, regular reporting and progress towards divisional inclusion goals in their specific area of the campus community. This group will also work to build, communicate and reassess the institutional diversity strategic plan. This committee will also be responsible for providing feedback on institutional policies and practices from a cultural lens to senior leaders annually.

The University of Tampa is an independent and nonsectarian institution; however, religious/spiritual beliefs and practices are highly respected and encouraged. All spiritual organizations and local places of worship follow The University of Tampa's Spiritual Agreement of Mutual Respect and Understanding. Learn more about spiritual life on campus.

The Sykes Chapel and Center for Faith and Values is a visual statement of The University of Tampa’s commitment to nurturing the development of character and values of its students. It is an inspiring setting for meditation and celebration of all faiths, enhancing the understanding of diversity, world cultures and religions, and improving religious literacy on campus are central to its mission.

For a complete listing of the student organizations that encourage spiritual practices and enlightenment, visit the Involve UT student organization directory. Some examples of these organizations include the following:

Better Together
Composed of students dedicated to interfaith cooperation on campus and in the greater community. Its purpose is to promote understanding and respect for diverse spiritual and nonspiritual beliefs by means of dialogue, education and advocacy.

Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU)
The University of Tampa’s Campus Crusade for Christ exists to provide each and every UT student with an environment to investigate God, explore the idea of having a personal relationship with Him, and grow in that relationship.

Chabad UT Jewish Student Union
The Chabad Jewish Student Union exists to serve as a social, cultural, religious and educational organization to promote and support Jewish awareness at The University of Tampa.

Catholic Student Organization
The Catholic Student Organization's purpose is to bring together and enrich the experience of Catholic students and the student body as a whole by providing an opportunity to enrich our lives through faith, social and community service events.

Intervarsity Christian Fellowship
Intervarsity exists to be a multi-ethnic, Jesus-centered, witnessing community that is desiring to give students at UT a chance to grow spiritually and live out the faith.

Success Scholars is a support program for first-generation and/or underrepresented college students. A first-generation college student is defined as a student whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) have not completed a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college or university. This means the student is the first in their family to attend a four-year college or university to attain a bachelor’s degree. An underrepresented student is one who identifies as an ethnicity or race other than Caucasian.

Being first-generation is a very proud accomplishment! A strong support system can make a big difference in how students navigate the changes and challenges the college experience brings, and will be a factor in finding their success at UT. We recognize students will bring several assets to campus and will face unique experiences as they begin this exciting journey; we look forward to supporting them and bringing this community together as Spartans!

This program, which grew out of the grant-funded Helios Scholars program, provides social, academic and financial support to assist first-generation and underrepresented students in their adjustment to campus life. Students who opt in to the program will participate in social activities, workshops, academic support programs, service opportunities and maintain regular contact with their peer mentors. The Success Scholars program is recognized as a First-Gen Forward institution by the NASPA Center for First-generation Student Success for its commitment to first-generation student success.