Signature Programs
SCSJI’s signature programming is grounded in advancing multicultural, social, and intercultural competence and awareness. Our office offers vibrant programming that centers and foster community whether through our cultural heritage months (Native & Indigenous, Latin American and Hispanic, Asian Pacific Islander Desi American, International Student Month) or identity-specific initiatives (First Generation, Low Income, Students with Disabilities, or Veteran and Military). SCSJI strives to create intentional cross-departmental (i.e. identity centers and varying colleges) and student student-organizational collaboration to ensure that programming provides a space for our students to thrive and achieve their goals while feeling supported.
Heritage Months
The Student Center for Social Justice and Identity (SCSJI) celebrates heritage months to honor the rich diversity within our community, recognizing the unique cultures, histories, and contributions of underrepresented groups. By hosting events and activities throughout these months, SCSJI fosters a deeper understanding of social justice, promotes inclusivity, and encourages meaningful dialogue that strengthens our shared commitment to equity and respect for all identities.
While Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month (APIDAHM) is officially celebrated in the month of May, Vanderbilt celebrates APIDAHM in the fall semester from October to early November. It is the official celebration that honors the history, cultural diversity, and unique contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and Desi Americans (APIDA).
A rather broad term, Asian/Pacific/Desi encompasses all of the Asian continent, India, and the Pacific Islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia) and Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island)
At Vanderbilt University, the Student Center for Social Justice & Identity curates a calendar of events related to Asian/Pacific heritage, featuring programs from across campus and the Nashville community.
International Student Month (ISM) is the official celebration honoring and appreciating the history, cultural diversity, and unique contributions of international students at Vanderbilt. Throughout the month of March, the Student Center for Social Justice & Identity (SCSJI), the International Students & Scholar Services (ISSS), University Counseling Center (UCC), Asian American and Asian Diaspora Studies, the Multicultural Leadership Council (MLC), International Student Council (ISC), the Association of Latin American Students (ALAS), the Vanderbilt Nepali Student Association (VNSA), and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) curate intentional programs designed to foster and build community within the international student community, educate the non-international community about the lived experiences of international students, and celebrate the various cultures that make up the international student community at Vanderbilt.
Latin American & Hispanic Heritage Month (LAHHM), recognized annually from September 15 through October 15, is the official celebration honoring the history, cultural diversity, and unique contributions of individuals and communities whose ancestry can be traced back to Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402. September 15th coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, followed shortly thereafter by Mexico (Sept. 16) and Chile (Sept. 18). Día de la Raza and Indigenous Peoples Day, recognized on the second Monday of October, also fall within this 30-day period.
At Vanderbilt University, the Student Center for Social Justice & Identity curates a calendar of events related to Latin American & Hispanic heritage, featuring programs from across campus and the Nashville community.
The first American Indian Day in a state was declared on the second Saturday in May 1916 by the governor of New York. In 1990 President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Similar proclamations, under variants on the name (including “Native American Heritage Month”) have been issued each year since 1994.
Native American and Indigenous Heritage Month is a time to intentionally celebrate the unique, rich, and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Native peoples while acknowledging the important contributions of Native and Indigenous people. NAIHM is also an opportune time to educate the general public about tribes, to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to overcome these challenges.
At Vanderbilt University, the Student Center for Social Justice & Identity curates a calendar of events related to Native American heritage, featuring programs from across campus and the Nashville
Graduate Recognition Ceremonies
The five Grad Recognition Ceremonies are designed to celebrate the unique achievements of diverse student groups as they reach this significant milestone in their academic journeys. By holding specialized ceremonies, we honor the distinct cultural backgrounds, identities, and traditions of our graduates, creating an inclusive space where they can share their joy with family, friends, and community members. These ceremonies underscore our commitment to recognizing and valuing the rich tapestry of experiences that enrich our institution and contribute to a more equitable and representative academic environment.
The Native/Indigenous Graduates Recognition Ceremony is a recognition ceremony held once a year by the Native/Indigenous community at Vanderbilt to celebrate the achievements and successes of all graduating Native/Indigenous students. The ceremony serves as a unique space for students to pay homage to family, friends, faculty, staff, and administrators who have supported their journeys. With food, music, graduation stoles, guest speakers, student awards, and photo opportunities, we invite all to join us in this fun and family-oriented celebration!
Participation
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 9:00-11:00 a.m. CT | SLC Board of Trust Room
Participation is open to all undergraduate, graduate, and professional students who will earn their degrees from Vanderbilt University in the designated academic year. Any student graduating in Spring 2024 or Summer 2024, or having already graduated in Fall 2023, is eligible to participate. Students must register online before the deadline in order to guarantee participation and recognition in the printed program.
If you are a graduating student and would like to participate in the Native & Indigenous Graduate Recognition Ceremony, please use the link to register online before our priority deadline: Friday, March 15th at 5 p.m. (CST).
The International Graduate Recognition Ceremony at Vanderbilt University, hosted by the Student Center for Social Justice and Identity (SCSJI), is a vibrant celebration of the diverse achievements and contributions of international graduate students. This annual event brings together the university community to honor the unique cultural backgrounds and academic accomplishments of these students as they prepare to embark on the next chapter of their journeys.
Participation
Thursday, May 9, 2024 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. CT | Student Life Center Ballroom
If you are a graduating student and would like to participate in the International Graduate Recognition Ceremony, please use the link to register online before our priority deadline: Friday, March 15th at 5 p.m. (CT).
English Description
The Latinx Graduates Recognition Ceremony, “Raíces y Sueños,” is a recognition ceremony held once a year by the Latinx community at Vanderbilt to celebrate the achievements and successes of all graduating Latinx students. The ceremony serves as a unique space for students to pay homenaje to family, friends, faculty, staff, and administrators who have supported their journeys. With food, music, graduation stoles, guest speakers, student awards, and photo opportunities, we invite all to join us in this fun and family-oriented celebration!
Descripción en Español
La celebración de los graduados, “Raíces y Sueños,” es una ceremonia celebrada por la comunidad Latinx de Vanderbilt cada año para celebrar los logros y los éxitos de todos los graduados Latinxs. La ceremonia sirve como un espacio único en el cual los estudiantes rinden homenaje a sus familias, sus amigos, la facultad, los empleados, y los administradores que los apoyaron en la universidad. ¡Te invitamos a que nos acompañes en esta celebración tan divertida y orientado a nuestras familias! Ven a disfrutar con bocaditos, música, la entrega de estolas para la graduación, oradores invitados, premios estudiantiles, y oportunidades para tomar fotos.
Participation
Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 1:00-2:00 p.m. CT | SLC Ballroom
Registration is a requirement for participation. If you are a graduating student and would like to participate in the Latinx Graduate Recognition Ceremony, please use the link to register online before our priority deadline of Friday, March 15th at 5 p.m. (CT).
The Intersectional Graduate Recognition Ceremony at Vanderbilt University celebrates the remarkable achievements of graduate students from intersecting backgrounds, specifically First Generation and/or Low-Income (FGLI), Military-Connected, and students with disabilities. Hosted by the Student Center for Social Justice and Identity (SCSJI), this event acknowledges the unique challenges these students have overcome while recognizing their extraordinary accomplishments and resilience.
Participation
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 3:30pm CT | SLC Ballroom
Registration is a requirement for participation. If you are a graduating student and would like to participate in the Intersectional Graduate Recognition Ceremony, please use the link to register online before our priority deadline of Friday, March 15th at 5 p.m. (CT).
SCSJI is excited to continue the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Graduation Recognition Ceremony! The ceremony highlights and celebrates the achievements and successes of all the graduating APIDA students. The ceremony provides an opportunity to pay homage to family, friends, faculty, staff, and administrators who have supported their journeys. We invite you to come and celebrate our students during this fun filled event!
Participation
Wednesday, May 15th from 6:00-8:00 p.m.CT | Student Life Center Ballroom
Registration is a requirement for participation. If you are a graduating student and would like to participate in the APIDA Graduate Recognition Ceremony, please use the link to register online before our priority deadline of Friday, March 15th at 5 p.m. (CT).