New Housing Option at Cal U This Fall

Jul 20, 2018

The new Diversity, Equality and Inclusion community is open to first-year and returning Cal U students and will be located in Smith Honors Hall.

campus aerial view

Deepening the commitment to provide students with a welcoming, inclusive environment to live, learn and grow, California University of Pennsylvania will roll out the welcome mat for new on-campus housing option this fall. 

The new Diversity, Equality and Inclusion community is open to first-year and returning Cal U students and will be located in Smith Honors Hall. 

“Cal U is a place that cares about our students and their identities,” said Sheleta Camarda-Webb, director of multicultural affairs and diversity education. 

“Students have been asking for this. It brings like-minded students together according to similar experiences or interests, not necessarily majors.” 

Those include body size and appearance, sexual orientation, political affiliation, race, religion or spirituality, gender identity and expression, nationality and social class. 

The D.E.I. community will provide programming and activities for those who want to grow as community leaders, excel academically, and build support and community ties.

“We want to empower our students and encourage dialogue,” Camarda-Webb said. “We want to develop these skills in this residence hall community and equip our students to be leaders in these area.” 

“The development and implementation of the D.E.I community was very student-driven,” said Shawn McCoy, Smith Hall director and coordinator of residence life programs and community development. “We solicited feedback from student focus groups, clubs and organizations, and student leaders.” 

“It’s exciting to see our university growing in such a positive way,” Camarda-Webb said.