Multicultural Student Programs in CFANS

The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences is committed to providing students an academic community that nurtures diversity and recognizes the importance of providing access to multiple world views and cultural styles. To accomplish this goal, we provide significant programmatic support for students. This is delivered through several interwoven programs to create an encouraging and successful learning environment.

Essential program elements include:

Diversity in Food and Natural Resources Scholarship (DFNRS)
This merit based program offers academically gifted students committed to creating greater diversity in CFANS a significant four-year scholarship award. Students maintain their award by continuing to demonstrate academic excellence and by participating in all program activities outlined below.

Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS)
MANRRS is a national student organization providing students with an expanded network and social, professional and career building opportunities. The organization holds an annual national conference with poster sessions, public speaking events and career/internship fair.

North Star STEM Alliance Grant Program
The CFANS Office of Diversity and Inclusion is offering students the opportunity to earn stipends and receive grant money through the North Star STEM Alliance. The mission of the North Star STEM Alliance is to broaden the participation of Minnesota's underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Dean’s Engaged Leaders Program (DELP)
The Dean's Engaged Leaders program is an exciting, two-year opportunity for incoming first-year students who are committed to developing their potential to enhance CFANS-Undergrad-Freshmen-DELP-photo1our civic spaces through leadership, a commitment to diversity, and stewardship of the urban, rural, and natural environment.

Student Excellence in Academics and Multiculturalism (SEAM)
All incoming freshman diversity students are invited to participate in SEAM. Students (other than the DFNRS scholars) self-identify to register for three classes in common and other social opportunities. SEAM students register for a Freshman Seminar (Ways of Knowing and Science), Freshman Composition (Exploring Identity) and a Learning and Academic Skills (LASK) courses as a cohort.

Peer Mentoring Support for Freshman
All incoming freshman students of color are offered peer mentor support.

Access To Success (ATS)
Access to Success is a one year academic support program devoted to enriching students’ academic experiences and equipping them to excel academically. Program participants benefit from a full range of services that enhance and support their academic success during the important first year of their college career.

ASPIRE
ASPIRE is a college-wide program designed to help new freshmen, especially ATS students, be more successful at the University. In addition to your academic advisor, ASPIRE staff will be available to help you explore your strengths, personal and academic goals, and help you identify possible campus resources.