New center promotes academic equity

A diverse student body creates a richer collegiate experience for all Tulane University students, whether collaborating with a team on a complex research project or attending a seminar where attendees offer up unique points of view. Knowing the value of its multifaceted community, Tulane introduces the Center for Academic Equity as a new source of student services.

The new center will be temporarily located on the first floor of Hebert Hall on the uptown campus.

“We’ve been working to address issues of diversity for two years as part of the presidential task force. The center will serve as an academic location for underrepresented and underserved students,” said Rebecca Mark, director of the Center for Academic Equity.  

“The center will serve as an academic location for underrepresented and underserved students.”

— Rebecca Mark, director of the Center for Academic Equity

The center aims to foster the academic excellence of Posse Scholars and College Track participants while also working to form a community for first-generation college students and providing accessible services for LGBTQ students and students of color. The resource hub will provide a wealth of information on summer research grants, internships, workshops, conferences and speaker events.

“During my entire time at Tulane, I’ve been working on issues concerning diversity,” said Mark, who will be working as a liaison for the Posse program in her new role as the center’s director.

“We want to be a more inclusive campus. We hope to support, celebrate and create a community for these students,” she said.

The Center for Academic Equity will also partner with the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) and the Office for Gender and Sexual Diversity (OGSD), known together as The O, for future programming.

“By being actively engaged with The O, we’re building on what we already have,” said Mark.

Tulane community members can celebrate the center’s grand opening at a reception taking place on Monday (Feb. 13) from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Cudd Hall on the uptown campus.

Related content: 10 new Posse scholars heading to Tulane