Division of Student Diversity and Inclusion | July 08, 2025

Hello Jumbos!

We're excited to introduce you to the Division of Student Diversity and Inclusion (DSDI). DSDI's eight identity-based centers offer myriad resources for students to succeed academically, engage socially, and build community. While each center supports specific populations, the centers are for all students interested in thinking about social identities and how they impact our lives and our world. Get to know each of the centers.

The Africana Center was founded in 1969 in response to student activism and the recognized needs of students of African descent. It fosters a supportive environment for students' personal, social, and academic development through a range of programs and resources. Serving as a vital gathering space for Tufts University students and community members, the Center encourages learning, shared experiences, mutual support, and the celebration of the diverse cultures within the African diaspora. Aligned with the university's academic mission, the Center provides students with academic, cultural, and personal resources, empowering them to thrive at Tufts and preparing them for leadership roles in their chosen fields.

The Asian American Center (AAC) was founded in 1983 as a result of student activism. The AAC celebrates Asian and Asian American communities at Tufts and fosters a supportive environment for the personal and social development of all students through its programs and resources. The Center recognizes the complex identities that individuals have, and we seek to support you in your identity journey. We hope to cultivate an experience that allows you to celebrate and reflect on the unique experiences of the Asian diaspora. We aim to help you to find a sense of belonging at Tufts, as well as connect you with other centers and resources to support your overall wellness and advocate for your needs to ensure a successful and meaningful college experience.

Established in 2008, the Center for STEM Diversity (CSD) intentionally cultivates an equity-minded and justice-oriented community to promote the academic success for students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). By developing student-centered spaces, research opportunities, and academic supports that encourage STEM students in their academic pursuits, the CSD fosters a campus culture and environment that is both inclusive and accessible for students by inviting and celebrating the rich culture and ideas of diverse lived experiences.

The FIRST Resource Center was founded in 2018 to create a supportive community and provide academic and financial resources for Tufts students who are first-generation college students, come from high-need backgrounds, or come from diverse residency backgrounds. FIRST centers the experiences of students navigating higher education with limited generational or financial support. All students, regardless of background, are welcome. By strengthening community connections and bridging access to campus resources, we aim to help students achieve their full academic, social, and professional potential.

The Indigenous Center was founded in 2022 to provide a "home away from home" while centering Indigeneity in the Tufts community. The Center serves as a community gathering area for programming, studying, breaks, meetings, and socializing to support, encourage, and develop student voices, helping students navigate their higher education journey.

The LGBT Center, founded in 1992, offers a space for all students to explore their unique relationship to gender and sexuality through personal, activist, and/or academic lenses. The LGBT Center provides programming, support, and personal and educational resources that aim to affirm the experience of LGBTQIA+ people at Tufts. We believe that LGBTQIA+ experiences are not a monolith as we understand that race, gender, ability, and class background play a huge role in access and privilege. We are committed to community accountability and justice.

Founded in 1993, the Tufts Latinx Center is a vibrant space where students from all backgrounds connect, build community, and explore Latinx identities and cultures. The Center fosters an environment of collaboration, dialogue, and celebration that cultivates meaningful engagement. Additionally, the Center serves as a resource to help students access campus and broader community resources that support their well-being, academic success, and sense of belonging throughout their Tufts experience.

The Women's Center was founded in 1972 to provide a dedicated community open to all students interested in topics and issues broadly related to the experience of women and gender. The Center is particularly engaged in exploring gender at the intersections of other identities such as race, sexuality, socioeconomic status, and citizenship status. While the Women's Center's primary purpose is to serve undergraduate students, it also offers information, events, and resources for graduate students, faculty and staff, alumni, and parents and families.

Thanks for continuing to check your New Student Checklist regularly! Following are some of the important deadlines this month: 

July 1: Provide “Invited Viewer” access for others to view or pay your bill when it’s available and/or to waive health insurance in SIS (see below for deadline).

July 1: Complete the Academic Integrity Tutorial (AIT module). It takes approximately 45 minutes and is required for all first-year and transfer students. If you haven't completed the tutorial by the deadline, you will have an enrollment hold placed on your account. An enrollment hold will prevent you from changing your class schedule or registering for next semester’s classes.

July 1: Upload your photo for your ID card. Please note ID cards will be available for pickup during move in.  

July 1: Mandatory Pre-Entrance Health Requirements due

July 10: Pre-Orientation Payment due

July 31: Waive health Insurance (if you already have health insurance that meets Massachusetts state requirements)

 Aug 1: Send your official AP, IB, and/or A-Levels scores to Tufts

Consider enrolling in Tuition Insurance: Tuition Insurance protects financial commitments if you elect to take time away from your studies through a Medical Leave. While this insurance is optional, it is highly recommended. Enrollment in the Tuition Insurance Plan will be open until the first day of classes, September 2.

Invited Viewer Access
If you would like to enable your parents or family to see your academic record, pay your tuition and fees, and/or waive the university's health insurance if applicable, give them "Invited Viewer" access to your Student Information (SIS) account. Grant them access to both Bills and Balances and Insurance Waiver. For more information, please visit the Registrar's Invited Viewer Access web page.

Learn about upcoming events, get reminders about dates and deadlines, and stay in touch with all things Tufts! Follow Orientation on Instagram and join the Class of 2029 Facebook group!

No worries! All webinars have been recorded and posted to our Orientation Programs and Communications web page. You'll find an archive of all of this summer's messages there too!

Please contact Student Services at 617-627-2000 or StudentServices@tufts.edu.