University of Illinois at ChicagoDiversity Summary

Written by Tejumade Durowade

Tejumade Durowade

Hometown

Chicago, IL

Major

Electrical Engineering

View all previous student authors

One of UIC’s major strengths is its diverse student population. From one corner of the campus to the other, there are students of various ethnic, economic, and religious backgrounds. Most students hail from the diverse economic and cultural pond that is Chicago, as well as the city's surrounding communities, and as a result, new students are often fascinated by the number of nationalities they encounter at UIC. The study abroad and international student exchange programs also work closely with foreign universities to further enrich UIC’s already replete student body. Additionally, UIC has a very diverse faculty. International researchers are often brought in to conduct research and give talks on relevant advances. Recently, the Microphysics Laboratory at UIC hosted an optoelectronics symposium that featured presentations from researchers from countries such as South Korea, India, and Japan.

Overall, interaction amongst students of various backgrounds and beliefs is very common. Student and external religious organizations are often seen on campus. Also, students of various sexual orientations are well represented on campus, and the University takes initiatives to make sure they are properly incorporated into the student population. Resources such as the Minority Engineering Recruitment and Retention Program and the Native American Support Program further add to UIC’s resume for diversity. And anyone in search of a diverse population with multicultural events should give UIC a try.