Programs and Initiatives

Coehort Orientation — The Coehort Orientation is a program that invites students who self-select themselves as students of color to an early orientation program prior to the all-student orientation. This orientation gives these students the opportunity to interact with one another, move into their residential hall early, meet professors, learn about the tutoring program, be introduced to the Student Success staff and introduce them to the upper class mentoring/student support program that is designed to equip these students with additional tools and support to be successful Kohawks.

Coehort Mentor Program — This peer mentoring program connects students who come from underrepresented groups with mentoring student leaders. Many of these mentors participated in the Coehort Orientation and have become mentors through this program.

Latino Festival — Cedar Rapids and Iowa City have a family-friendly festival featuring live Latin music, dancing, a colorful parade of Latin dress, ethnic food and activities. The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion provides transportation to and from these events.

Fall Harvest Festival — During fall break the Student Life Office invites students (staying on campus), faculty and staff to join together for a harvest dinner. The meal provides turkey, dressing, vegetables, desserts and more. This has become a yearly event.

History Makers Gala — Once a year the African American Museum of Iowa celebrates several individuals who through their existence and influence, history is forever changed. This banquet is a great community celebration. Coe makes it possible to be well-attended by our students, faculty and staff.

Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Diversity Conference — We celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday with a morning of reflection of his legacy. We celebrate with live music and opening words from Coe’s leadership. Students, staff and faculty then reflect on the current state of people of color, share words from MLK Jr.’s speeches and share testimonies with each other. Everyone in attendance also has the option of their choice of four presentations focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion. To round out the celebration, students are presented with the opportunity to do community engagement. For many years, classes have not been held on this day. Beginning in January 2023, staff offices will also be closed to allow the entire Coe community the opportunity to participate in the celebration.

James H. Randall Cultural Mixer — This mixer is an excellent opportunity to gather faculty, staff and alumni of color from diverse and cultural organizations. We share some hors d'oeuvres, have some get-to-know-you events and end the evening discussing diversity issues that are relevant to today's concerns.

International Club Culture Show and Banquet — The Coe College International Club hosts the Annual Culture Show in the fall and the International Banquet in the spring. The show and banquet have been taking place for nearly 50 years.

National Hispanic Heritage Month — National Hispanic Heritage Month is the period from September 15 to October 15 in the United States when people recognize the contribution of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the country's history, heritage and culture.

Black History Month — Black History Month is a celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. history. Recently this month has been honored with an African American traveling (Iowa Civil Rights) display, literature and movie displays in the library, opportunity to visit the African American Museum, showing of the Academy Award-nominated movie "Loving," a Know Your Rights presentation, a presentation of Intersectionality and the Civil Rights and a soul food meal in the cafeteria. Black History is also American History.

National Women’s History Month — Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society. We celebrate this month to increase consciousness and knowledge of women's history. Women's History Month has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987. We celebrate our great students, staff and faculty through presentations, books and movies as well as a Poetry Slam event led by our talented women poets.

Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month — Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month is a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. Nationally this celebration takes place in May, however the Coe community celebrates in April while students, faculty and staff are still on campus.

Juneteenth — Since June 2020, Juneteenth has been recognized as a staff holiday at Coe, allowing the entire community the opportunity to attend events.

LGBTQ+ History Month — LGBT+ History Month is a celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer history. Events at Coe include a Chalk Walk, book display and opportunities to learn about influential LGBTQ+ leaders and traditions.

Pride Month — Pride Month is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.

These events and initiatives are open to all Kohawks.