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What is cultural wellness?
What is cultural wellness?
Cultural wellness is about understanding and embracing the elements of our own cultural background and making a commitment to build connections with people who come from different backgrounds than our own. Someone who is practicing cultural wellness is working to set aside any preconceived notions or biases they may have and trying to approach others with an open mind and heart. Culturally well people recognize the value and beauty in diversity, and they understand that the fabric of well communities is strengthened by the weaving of many cultural approaches. By learning, living, and growing with and from others who may have different ethnicities, religions, genders, sexual orientations, languages, and customs from our own without judgment or prejudice, we are developing a personal and communal cultural wellness.
On-Campus Resources
On-Campus Resources
International Student & Scholar Affairs (ISSA)
We support and advocate for RISD’s international community by providing advice and guidance to prospective, incoming and current students and scholars, as well as those who have recently graduated or completed their work at RISD.
Email: issa@risd.edu
Phone: 401 277-4957
Location: Carr House, 210 Benefit Street, 3rd Floor
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Immersive experiences are one of the best ways to strengthen our cultural wellness. Through RISD Global you can travel internationally and gain the opportunity to live, learn and explore a new place and culture. Learn more about the upcoming Global opportunities online.
Email: global@risd.edu
Phone: 401 454-6725
Location: 20 Washington Place
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One way to strengthen your cultural wellness is to take time to see and learn about different culture’s artistic practices and approaches. In addition to rotating galleries and exhibits featuring artists from many different cultures on display at the RISD Museum, the Museum is home to six main galleries that feature art across culture and time. As a RISD student you may enter the Museum free of charge.
Phone: 401 454-6500
Email: museum@risd.edu
Location: 20 North Main Street
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Intercultural Student Engagement (ISE)
Looking for community, support, and events around a shared identity, or looking to expand your cultural literacy? ISE provides cultural support and education to all RISD students through programming and events provided by the Cultural Programmers and ISE staff. ISE also works directly to support students from underrepresented groups including by not limited to BIPOC, first-generation, international, LGBTQIA+, religious or spiritual, socioeconomically under-resourced, those with disabilities, and those not traditionally of college age.
Email: ise@risd.edu
Phone: 401 277-4908
Location: Ewing House, 41 Waterman Street
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In the event that you feel that you or someone you know was discriminated against due to their race, ethnicity, gender expression and identity, national origin, color, or citizenship, or ability RISD has resources for you. Equity and Compliance is here to provide support and respond to sensitive situations related to discrimination and bias based on the protected identities listed above, among other legally protected identities.
Email: equitycompliance@risd.edu
Location: 20 Washington Place, 3rd Floor
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Learn more about incident reporting
Request a religious accommodation
Campus Reflection and Meditation Rooms
We have two reflection rooms available to the community at RISD which provide a quiet space on campus for prayer, meditation, reflection. These spaces are open to the whole RISD community.
Email: ise@risd.edu
Phone: 401 277-4908
Locations:
First-Year students and students living in the Quad: Homer Hall, 55 Angell St, Room 313
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Upperclass students and students living in the Mandle Center: 15 Westminster Street, 2nd Floor
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Center for Student Involvement (CSI)
We have several identity-based and affinity clubs on campus that are open to all students to join. From clubs founded on racial and sexual orientation to nationality and heritage, we have clubs that can help strengthen your cultural wellness. Not finding what you are looking for? Apply to create a new club during the annual Club Approval Process in the Spring.
Email: csi@risd.edu
Phone: 401 454-6600
Location: Carr House, 210 Benefit Street, 2nd Floor
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Cultural Programmers work with the Office of Intercultural Student Engagement (ISE) to coordinate cultural, social, educational, and artistic programming for the campus. They serve as student leaders by planning events which emphasize cultural awareness and inclusion.Check out Involved for events created by the Cultural Programmers.
Email: ise@risd.edu
Phone: 401 277-4908
Location: Ewing House, 41 Waterman Street
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Advocates for Inclusion in Residence (AIRs)
With one per residential area, AIRs are students who plan and implement educational, social, cultural and personal enrichment programs that promote dialogue, social justice ideals and cultural awareness. They can:
help you navigate issues of identity in your creative work.
assist you with problems in the classroom or within the residence hall.
support you in finding community on campus.
provide educational resources to further your understanding of identity and social justice.
Locations: There is one AIR in each of the 4 Housing areas!
Off-Campus Resources
Off-Campus Resources
Cultural Events: Attend cultural events in Providence and greater Rhode Island. A variety of cultural events and festivals may be found here.
Cultural Organizations: Get connected to or volunteer with a cultural organization in Providence or the broader Rhode Island community
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