Inclusivity and Belonging
At Luther, we believe inclusion and belonging are essential to learning. Inclusivity is one of Luther College’s five core values, and being open and welcoming to all leads to greater knowledge. Students who have experienced a wide range of experiences, perspectives and points of view are better prepared to respond with original thinking and collaborative leadership. The ability to respect others and to hold differing positions in tension leads to a learning environment that better prepares Luther students to become leaders in service of the common good, ready to respond to challenges and adversity.
Explorers Connection Program
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.
Center for Intercultural Engagement and Support (CIES)
The Center for Intercultural Engagement and Support is a student-centered office focusing on student engagement and success. It builds intercultural relationships and guides students towards self-agency for their futures.
CIES creates opportunities that enrich our campus climate and learning environment. The Center helps to inform the campus about pertinent issues and helps our community build skills in:
- Constructive dialogue
- Conflict resolution
- Intercultural competence
- Leadership
The Center works with student identity and interest groups to promote inter and intra-group collaboration and understanding.
Initiatives
Luther360 is a campus-wide tool that connects students, faculty, and staff to support and resources. Whether someone needs help—or wants to offer it—Luther360 makes it easy to raise a hand and ensure no one faces challenges alone.
Use Luther360 to:
- Submit an SOS Referral when a student may be struggling
- Request academic or personal support
- Share a concern or connect someone to help
Every submission activates Luther’s Circle of Care—a coordinated network that ensures students are seen, supported, and surrounded by care.
Designed to help first-generation and income-eligible Luther students adjust to, thrive in, and graduate from college.
Inclusive Teaching
Luther College commits to fostering inclusive teaching so that we can support all members of our community in their efforts to be engaged with diversity, committed to equity, and focused on inclusiveness.
Inclusive teaching uses course design, teaching strategies, and assessments of student learning to help you master skills that involve communicating across differences in opinions, viewpoints, aspirations, perspectives, and learning styles. We want all our classrooms to foster a sense of belonging for everyone, even as you explore difficult topics.
Disability Services
Need accommodations? Disability Services provides access to an equitable educational experience for all students. We are committed to helping students manage their disabilities through academic, dining, and housing accommodations, supported by inclusive institutional policies.
Meet Dr. Robert Clay, Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer
“I’m most excited about building upon the rich heritage of Luther College by developing innovative practices, policies, procedures and programs utilizing best practices through an equity-mindedness lens that will help further the college’s mission.”
