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The MOSAIC Center

The MOSAIC Center creates Meaningful Opportunity for Student Access, Inclusion, and Community at Seattle University.

Welcome to The MOSAIC Center!

The MOSAIC Center creates Meaningful Opportunity for Student Access, Inclusion, and Community at Seattle University. We play a critical role in supporting intercultural learning and development of students. We encourage students to increase their awareness of self and others, and their role in co-creating a more inclusive campus culture by creating an environment that promotes curiosity and learning.

We support the thriving of our students by: 

  • Enhancing a sense of belonging & creating opportunities for connection
  • Providing social justice education & tools for advocacy
  • Providing mentorship & leadership development
  • Providing tangible resources & support 

We invite students to engage with our many programs, events, services, and resources. Students can learn more about our programs and events by exploring our Instagram page or ConnectSU.

Stay Connected!

To stay up to date on our programs and events, check out our Instagram at su_mosaic.

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About Us

At the MOSAIC Center, we believe it is important to know, honor, and celebrate our past. The work of creating meaningful opportunities for student access, inclusion, and community is rooted in a rich history of staying attuned to the ever-changing needs of an increasingly diverse student body.

In 1969, Seattle University opened the doors to the Office of Minority Affairs (OMA) as a result of student activism and advocacy. In its inception, OMA provided academic support services for students of color through tutoring and English support programs. Over the 50+ year history, the office went through several changes in leadership and department name (most recently the Office of Multicultural Affairs) and expanded its charge to support students from historically underrepresented and minoritized backgrounds, including but not limited to BIPoC, LGBTQ+, and undocumented students.

In 1996, thanks to the thought leadership of former SU President Fr. Sullivan, Seattle University launched the Collegia Program to support the needs of commuter students. The Collegia Program provided much needed space for students to congregate and create community. Over the course of 20+ years, the Collegia Program grew in scope to address the unique needs of transfer students, graduate students and adult learners, first-generation college students, and veteran/military-connected students under a new name, Student Success & Outreach.

At its core, the mission work of OMA and the Collegia Program was about removing barriers and supporting the thriving of students. It’s with this core mission in mind that the MOSAIC Center was born.

At the MOSAIC Center, we approach our work in a relational, educational, intentional and intersectional manner.

  • Relational: We build relationships with students and communities to enhance a sense of belonging at Seattle University.
  • Educational: We accompany and guide students in their learning journey as we all expand our understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
  • Intentional: We seek to stay attuned to the needs of our diverse student body and design our programs, events, and resources to address these needs.
  • Intersectional: We use a broad definition of intersectionality to acknowledge, celebrate, and address the unique qualities of our students.

Who we Serve

We are invested in the growth and thriving of all students at Seattle University with a particular focus on supporting students from historically underrepresented and minoritized backgrounds.

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BIPOC Students (Students of Color)

Black, Indigenous, People of Color (Black, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian, Native American/Indigenous)

At SU, we have a 55 year long history of providing programs and resources designed with the specific needs of students of color in mind. Learn more about our signature programs and how you can get involved!

67%

of incoming students are BIPOC (Fall 2023)

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First-Gen

The formal definition of first-generation college students are those whose parent(s) did not complete a 4-year bachelor's degree. At SU, we understand that the first-gen student community is inclusive of a much broader and expansive experience.

Learn more about what it means to be a first-gen student and the resources we have available.

35%

of incoming students are first-gen (Fall '23)

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LGBTQIA+

We use the acronym LGBTQIA+, which stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and the multitude of those whose gender identity or sexual orientation exist beyond heterosexuality and cisnormativity. This community may also be referred to as the Queer community

28%

of Gen Z adults (age 18-25) identify as LGBTQ+

Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI)

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Undocumented Students

"Undocumented” is broadly defined to include all immigrants who reside in the United States without legal status, including DACA recipients, or DREAMers.

Learn more about our programs and initiatives designed to support undocumented students on campus.

~408K

Undocumented students in college

(2021 American Community Survey)

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Veteran & Military-Connected

All who have served or are currently serving our country. We also welcome the spouses and dependents of service members. 

~200

Vet & Military-Connected Students on campus

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Commuter Students

Commuter students are broadly defined as any student who does not live on campus and use various modes of transportation to travel to and from class. We pay special attention to our first and second year commuter students who seek exemptions from our on-campus housing requirements and choose to live off-campus for various reasons. We understand that there is diversity in our commuter student population while also recognizing the commonalities that make their experience on campus unique. 

~15%

of first year students are commuters

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Transfer Students

Transfer students are those who have completed a college-level course after graduating from high school. Students who are enrolled in Running Start, dual enrollment or have AP credit are not considered transfer students.

~24%

of Fall '22 entering class were transfer students

Students in classroom

Graduate Students & Adult Learners

Graduate students are those who are enrolled in a graduate program (masters, professional certificate, MBA, etc.) at SU. 

Adult learners are students who are 25 years and older and are often married, have families, or are single parents, are working professionals (have not previously completed their degree), or returning students.

6.6%

of undergraduate students are over 25

Meet Our Staff

We're here for you!

Our office is open from 9 am - 5 pm Monday - Friday.

Pigott Pavilion 180

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