The BIPOC Unity Center empowers all students through events, education, and support for the Ithaca Achievement Program (IAP), Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Scholarship recipients, and First-Generation students. We foster an inclusive, supportive environment, promoting ethical development, social justice, and academic excellence. Our Center advocates for equity, offers vital resources, and encourages community engagement to ensure students thrive at Ithaca College and beyond.
This is us.
Advocacy. Community. Education. Empowerment. Excellence. Solidarity.
Who we are
Our WHY
As a college community, we value equity and inclusion and work to develop capable global citizens. We welcome the opportunity to connect and look forward to supporting you throughout your journey at Ithaca College and beyond.
The BIPOC Unity Center champions the three core values of support, perseverance, and holistic care. These core values are our “why,” which are grounded by six pillars that dictate “how” we approach the work.
Our Community Values
Center Team
Meet the Professional Staff in the BUC!
Shadayvia Wallace
Program Director, MLK Scholars and First-Gen Center/Associate Director
Email:swallace@ithaca.edu
Office: Egbert Hall 342
Luca Maurer
Executive Director, Student Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging,
Email: lmaurer@ithaca.edu
Office: Job Hall 221
Our Pillars
Solidarity
Work with Campus partners to connect students with their peers, faculty, staff, alumni, and local community members
Education
Collaborate with campus and community partners to support experiential learning initiatives.
Empowerment
Help foster a sense of belonging for all students through campus-wide programming and collaborations.
In the News
A Re-Imagined BIPOC Unity Center
Multiple offices merge with the BIPOC Unity Center to recognize the overlap with students who use both centers’ resources.
Welcome Back Kickback
BIPOC Unity Center hosted a Kickback event on Feb. 2 as a part of their monthly events for the campus community First Fridays.
Activism is our Legacy
Members of the African Student Association share their stories and experiences as student activists on campus.
Seniors Leadership Awards Ceremony
Each year during Commencement weekend, the Center recognizes the accomplishments of graduating seniors based on involvement, academic excellence, and service.
Coming Together
Students of Color Retreat allows for connection and reflection.
Students Of Color Business
Entrepreneurs of color balance business ownership and student life
A Day at Ithaca College With Duda
Tag along with Duda Formoso '26, an Ithaca College student from Brazil. See what life as an international student is like and leave a comment if you have any questions for Duda!
Students create ICTV show highlighting athletes of color
Ithaca College’s Roy H. Park School of Communications is home to many successful programs, including award-winning extracurriculars like ICTV. This spring, the television station is producing a new show, “Change in the Game,” which is focused on giving women in sports and athletes of color the spotlight they deserve.
Our Community
23%
Students of Color Population
As of 2022-2023
3%
International Student Population
As of 2022-2023
18%
First-Generation Student Population
As of 2022-2023
Reporting Information
Bias Impact Reporting
This form intended to provide our campus a centralized way of accessing resources if they experience or witness a bias incident.
Sexual Misconduct Reporting
If you experience sexual misconduct during this time of remote learning, Title IX remains available for someone to make a report.
Additional Contact Information
Here’s how to connect with us:
Email: bipocunity@ithaca.edu or Direct Message on Instagram: @icbipocunity
IC Engage: BIPOC Unity Center, Ithaca First, Ithaca Achievement Program
Location: Campus Center, Egbert Hall - Suite 339