The Office of IDEAL’s Student Engagement Unit intentionally focuses on intercultural engagement and fostering a sense of belonging. Creating a strong sense of belonging is essential in helping students navigate the question of “Who am I?” throughout their collegiate journey.
The Intercultural Engagement and Belonging section of IDEAL’s Student Engagement Unit is led by a Graduate Specialist under the direction of the Senior Director for Student Engagement. This area also includes Diversity Peer Educators, a Senior Diversity Peer Educator, and Lead Fellows. These roles are critical in planning and implementing a variety of programs and workshops throughout the academic year.
IDEAL's Student Engagement has cultivated a space where students can freely come together and engage intellectually. It is important that any university can facilitate spaces of belonging and not shy away from the critical themes in our world. It urges young people to get involved and consider making a difference in their communities.
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Tha’ Cookout takes place annually during Temple University’s Weeks of Welcome, offering a vibrant way to greet both new and returning Owls. Catered by a local restaurant, the event brings authentic Southern cookout flavors and a welcoming, community-centered atmosphere to campus.
This event is open to all individuals within the Temple community.
Black and Brown Joy @ TU is an annual event held during Temple University’s Weeks of Welcome, inviting students to learn about resources that support navigating campus life.
The Gender and Sexuality Inclusion Center also hosts OuTU, which welcomes LGBTQIA+ students and allies to explore available resources and services.
Both events are open to all members of the Temple community.
Urban X History is an event held during Temple University’s Weeks of Welcome that introduces students to the critical history of North Philadelphia. The program includes a brief presentation followed by a guided walking tour. Through this experience, students learn about Temple’s longstanding connection to social justice and the impact of influential figures such as Cecil B. Moore.
This event is open to all members of the Temple community.
Shop Talk Dialogues is an event designed to cultivate the types of conversations that traditionally take place in barbershops across the country. While the program centers on themes of masculinity, topics vary and often include current social issues. During the event, community barbers are invited to provide free haircuts as participants engage in dialogue.
This event is open to all members of the Temple community.
Students are invited to travel with IDEAL’s Student Engagement Unit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture for a deeper exploration and understanding of the Black community. This opportunity is open to all students, with a general cost of $10–$15. The fee includes transportation and lunch at the Sweet Home Café.
Each January, the Office of IDEAL hosts a brunch to honor the legacy and leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event includes a dialogue component and is open to all members of the Temple community and surrounding area.
Let Us Cook is a dialogue series introduced in spring 2026 that invites students to come together and prepare meals inspired by diverse cultures from across the country. The program features a professional chef and is hosted in the Aramark Kitchen located in Paley. Signup is required for this event.
Cultural Unity Week is a series of events typically held in April to celebrate intercultural belonging. The week features a variety of activities, including a festival, symposium, dialogues, and other special events. All members of the Temple community are invited to participate.
Our annual Rites of Passage Ceremony honors graduates at the conclusion of their collegiate journey, including undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and professional students. Sign-ups typically begin each April. During the ceremony, students are presented with Kente stoles. Advance registration is required.
Global X Learning is an experiential program in which a cohort of students participates in dialogue sessions during the spring semester before traveling to Cape Town and Johannesburg. This program is offered in collaboration with International Students. Applications are typically available in the fall semester, and students are required to pay a travel fee and have a valid passport to participate.
Our Diversity Peer Educators host monthly discussions on topics related to identity and culture, which are recorded as a podcast. These conversations provide students with insights, perspectives, and resources to better understand and engage with diverse communities.
IDEAL’s Student Engagement Unit offers a variety of resources for students, including space reservations for student organization meetings, workshop requests, and other support services. These resources help students navigate campus through an intercultural lens.
