Programs

The Explorers Connection Program matches new Luther students with a peer mentor (Navigator) and a faculty, staff, or community member guide (Lighthouse). Together, they form a triad — a ship — that anchors the Explorer’s first-year experience and continues throughout their four years at Luther.

At the heart of this program is our Compass Framework, made up of four powerful points:

• Purpose – “Why am I here?”
• People – “Who supports and sees me?”
• Place – “Where am I grounded?”
• Possibility – “What can I become?”

The center of it all? Belonging. When you know your why, feel seen by your people, are rooted in a meaningful place, and can imagine your possibilities—you don’t just fit in. You belong.

Why Join the Explorers Connection Program?
You will be part of a micro-community, designed to give you guidance, support, and reflection across the student journey. You will:

• Map your cultural and familial stories
• Articulate your values
• Celebrate your communities
• Share moments of joy, faith, and resilience
• Become empowered to lead

How Do I Join the Explorers Connection Program?

• New Luther students: Become an Explorer. Sign up using the Explorers Interest Form. Preferred deadline: Friday, August 8.
• Faculty, staff, and community members: Volunteer to serve as a Lighthouse. Sign up using the Lighthouse Interest Form.
• Continuing Luther students: Become a Navigator. Sign up using the Navigators Interest Form.

What Is the Commitment Required for Each Group?

• Explorers will participate in monthly themed gatherings, one-on-one and group check-ins, and reflective activities that cultivate a personal compass and belonging map.
• Navigators will receive training in geocultural mentorship and identity-informed leadership. They support 1–3 Explorers and co-facilitate programming.
• Lighthouses complete training, attend quarterly gatherings, and serve as resources who provide support in various capacities.

What Makes This Program Distinctive?

We are shifting from traditional demographic-first pairings toward a values-centered approach, using a psychographic matching model for all participants. Through the Compass Survey, participants will be paired based on values such as curiosity, creativity, resilience, and purpose as well as their multiple identities. By centering shared values, the program will form deeper, more authentic relationships that foster trust, discovery, and sustained connection.

Request CIES funding to attend a conference.

CIES provides assistance to students wishing to attend conferences relating to diversity and inclusion, identity, and other related topics. Availability of funds is subject to change, so no funding request is guaranteed. Successful proposals will be awarded between $100 and $250, to be determined by the CIES Director. In order to apply for funding, students must submit a proposal at least two weeks before the conference date. All applications must include the following information:

• Brief description of the conference including date and location
• Full cost, including registration, transportation (air and/or ground), and accommodation
• Student’s contribution
• Requested amount
• Other contributors (department or office name, and amount contributed)
• Benefit to the Luther community
• Name of faculty/staff who will be accompanying the group and the department that is covering this cost.

CIES celebrates events tied to national heritage months and identity-centered storytelling in partnership with other campus departments, student organizations, and community partners.

CIES hosts monthly Mosaic meetings that provide support and collaboration for student leaders of identity-based organizations. The CIES Student Advisory Council provides student-led input on programming and priorities to make sure students’ voices are heard and represented by the programs from CIES.

CIES provides workshop opportunities about cultural competency, inclusive practices and allyship, and identity awareness. CIES also facilitates programs for underrepresented populations such as BIPOC men and women, LGBTQ+ students, students with disabilities, and other groups with intersectional identities.

CIES sponsors monthly trips to culturally rich events, museums, and festivals (such as LatinoFest and the African American Museum of Iowa) that affirm identity, create joy, and build peer-to-peer connections.

Closer to home, CIES partners with Decorah’s Landing Market to connect students to the local community. Student organization members showcase their communities through cooking, programming, and networking with local businesses and organizations.

CIES maintains a book fund to assist any student whose need is verified by the financial aid office. The maximum grant per student is $300.

The book fund began via two sources: a four-year partnership with Alliant Energy in response to Adell Patton’s challenge at the First Black History Conference at Luther in 2004 to get Black books into Iowa school libraries, and a $4,000 alumnus grant to establish a book fund, which at the 2004 Black Alumni Reunion, was allocated specifically to help African American students with purchasing books. In 2017, in recognition of the 15th anniversary of the then Diversity Center, the book fund was relaunched with the emphasis on helping any student in need.

What does this have to do with you? As you read this, if you feel called to assist with these efforts, know that your gifts and pledges will be greatly appreciated.