Programs & Initiatives

American Indian Initiatives

CFANS aims to honor Indigenous ways of knowing within teaching and learning spaces and move beyond simply recognizing that our campus resides on ancestral lands of the Dakota community. We seek to deepen our existing ongoing relationship with Indigenous tribal leadership across the state. 

Diversity Enriched Curriculum Program

The University of Minnesota identifies “understanding diverse philosophies and cultures within and across societies” as a desired Student Learning Outcome for all undergraduates. The CFANS Diversity Enriched Curriculum (DEC) Program offers departments a framework for intentionally developing and fostering undergraduate courses that incorporate the essential tools for achieving such an outcome: intercultural competence, cultural awareness and non-judgmental and critical thinking skills.

CFANS President's Postdoctoral Fellowship Program

The President's Post-Doctoral Fellowship Program (PPFP) is a University of Minnesota program that CFANS participates in and supports. The program seeks applicants whose research, teaching, and service will contribute to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in higher education and at the University. The goal is to recruit diverse applicants who may be considered for tenure track positions at the University of Minnesota and in the College. 

Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) Initiative 

The Intercultural Development Inventory is a tool that measures one's level of intercultural competence as a developmental skill set.  Intercultural competence is the ability to adapt behaviors and shift cultural perspectives across cultural similarities and differences. 

The IDI is used primarily for presentations, staff development, or as a course requirement. To request IDI codes and/or debrief sessions, please complete this Google Form.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awards

Our college recognizes one faculty member and one staff member each year with the CFANS Distinguished Diversity and Inclusion Award, and the University of Minnesota honors students, faculty and staff with multiple awards for their contribution to diversity, equity and inclusion work.