We are committed to providing training that addresses the need for psychologists to demonstrate individual and multicultural diversity competencies when working with students, clients and the population at large. Almost 50% of NIU students identify as ethnic minorities, primarily Black or Latinx. The number of first-generation and/or non-traditional students (undergraduates over the age of 23, including military veterans) also continues to grow. Approximately 50% of NIU graduating classes are transfer students. CCS clients reflect this diversity and the percentages above closely match the percentages of clients seen for mental health support. CCS staff are dedicated to addressing social justice issues and we are advocates at both the individual and systemic level.
We have a number of programs, services, and collaborative relationships in place to serve the student populations above, as well as students who identify as LGBTQIA. One of the priorities in the assignment of clients to interns' caseloads is to reflect the diversity of the NIU student population.
Multicultural and diversity training is integrated into the internship program through individual supervision, group supervision, training seminars and each intern's specialization area of focus.