Jennie Adams Carter Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

 A Place Where Everyone Is Welcome

The PennWest California Jennie Adams Carter Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, on the ground floor of Carter Hall, promotes greater understanding of the many cultures that comprise the PennWest California community.

Operated by PennWest California's Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the Jennie Adams Carter Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strives to create an inclusive and welcoming environment by developing programs and events honoring different cultures. The center also facilitates student exchange programs at PennWest California and institutions abroad.

Meditation Rooms

Two rooms in the Jennie Adams Carter Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion have been set aside for people of any faith to use for devotions, prayer, meditation or reflection.

Out of respect for all the various spiritual and religious traditions represented on campus, the meditation rooms contain no permanent symbols specific to any one faith. Restrooms are nearby for the convenience of those whose faith requires ritual washing of hands and feet.

At the Jennie Adams Carter Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

These PennWest California offices and organizations are housed in the Jennie Adams Carter Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:

Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: This office promotes and supports diversity on campus by organizing educational opportunities, fostering mentorship for minority students, and helping students use campus resources effectively. Student Ambassadors are active participants in the office's efforts.

Black Student Union: This organization organizes activities of interest to African American students at PennWest California. BSU also supports events with cultural and educational benefits to the campus community, including Black History Month presentations. All PennWest California students are welcome to join.

Lambda Bridges LGBTQA+ Program Office: This office provides diverse, thought-provoking and educational programs, activities, resources and services on LGBT-related issues, and it sponsors PennWest California's annual Lavender Graduation ceremony. Related organizations include PennWest California Allies, Lambda Leaders Peer Educators and the Rainbow Alliance of gay and straight students.

National Panhellenic Council: The council governs four sororities at PennWest California - Alpha Kappa Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi and Phi Beta Sigma - and is part of the Office of Greek Affairs, based in the Natali Student Center. Learn more about this historic organization. 

Other Multicultural Organizations

Many student clubs and organizations at PennWest California have a multicultural focus. Among them are:

• PennWest California Women United, which promotes dialogue, organizes events and supports women of color on campus.
• Hispanic Student Association, which offers support, cultural activities and a sense of community to all students interested in Spanish and Latin American cultures.
• International Club, which promotes an exchange of cultural perspectives among international and American students at PennWest California. The club and other services for international students are based in the Office of International Programming, in Noss Hall.
• Young and Gifted Gospel Choir, whose singers and band members perform traditional spirituals and African-American gospel music. This 1-credit course is open to all.

Visit the Jennie Adams Carter Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Jennie Adams Carter Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Carter Hall welcomes the campus community. Its suites are open from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

In addition to office spaces, the center includes a conference room that can be reserved for inter-office meetings, and the Jennie A. Carter Family Room, a small-group meeting space named for California University's first African American graduate.

Contact Us

To learn more about the Jennie Adams Carter Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, contact Sheleta Camarda-Webb, director of Multicultural Affairs and Diversity Education, at camardawebb@calu.edu or 724-938-5758.