Students walking in front of WPAC on a spring day.

Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion

Two students smiling while standing on the bridge over the Tyler Run Creek.

Creating an Inclusive Campus Environment

The Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion (SDI) provides educational and social programs to serve our growing diverse student population while creating an inclusive campus environment and fostering a sense of belonging for all students.

The SDI Office oversees diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives on campus; International student support; the Spartan Pantry; and the Office of Spiritual Life, including the Doris and Bernard Gordon Center for Jewish Student Life.

All About SDI

Ethics Statement

The Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion is to maintain justice, civility, integrity, and respect towards all persons. We are here to foster a learning environment throughout the college years and promote learning, development, professionalism, and good citizenship.

Inclusivity at York College

York College of Pennsylvania aims to provide access to high-quality education. To reach our mission, we value bringing different voices together to share their strengths. In this diverse environment, when we create a sense of belonging and equity, we enrich the learning experience and better serve our local and global communities.

As such, York College:

  • Welcomes and recognizes diversity in all of its forms and expressions.
  • Encourages civil conversations across our campus to promote understanding.
  • Stands up against prejudice and injustice in our college community.
  • Advocates for the well-being and dignity of our community members.
  • Enables marginalized identities to be their authentic selves.
Anti-Discrimination/Ethnic Intimidation Policy

All students are encouraged to participate in college activities regardless of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, social affiliation, Veteran status, or age. York College does not tolerate and takes a firm position against all forms of discrimination as noted. Discrimination and ethnic intimidation include, but are not limited to: threats or bullying of any kind, physical harm or threats thereof, defacing or destruction of campus property or an individual’s personal property. Any student, who feels that they are a victim of discrimination, ethnic intimidation, or any such harassment, may initiate a complaint by submitting a Bias Incident Report.

The SDI Office works to enhance the academic and cultural experience of international students by providing the highest level of knowledge and expertise in advising, immigration regulations, and advocacy. 

International students on F-1 visa status are responsible for maintaining their nonimmigrant status while studying in the U.S. Maintaining your status means:

  • Fulfilling the purpose for why the Department of State issued you your visa.
  • Following the regulations associated with that purpose.

Your Designated School Official (DSO) is your biggest resource as an F-1 student. DSOs can answer your questions and guide you through the process of studying in the United States and maintaining your status. Speak to your DSO before doing any of the following:

  • Working in the United States
  • Applying for a driver’s license
  • Applying for a Social Security number
  • Changing your major, program, or degree level
  • Transferring to a new school
  • Traveling outside the United States
  • Moving to a new address

DSO:
Ines Ramirez
Assistant Director, International Student Support
iramirez@ycp.edu
717-815-1786

The Spartan Pantry serves York College students who experience food or basic needs insecurity at any time during their studies by offering non-perishable food items, quick microwaveable meals, personal hygiene products, and school supplies free of charge. The pantry is managed by the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion and supported by generous donations from members of York College and the community. It is located in the lower level of the Student Union, across from the SDI office.

Interested in Donating to the Spartan Food Pantry?

  • In-person: You may bring your donations to the SDI office, Iosue Student Union, Suite 101 (lower level) during office hours.
     
  • Online: You may purchase items online from the Spartan Pantry Amazon Wishlist. These will be delivered directly to the SDI office.
     
  • Monetary: You may donate online. Please select OTHER in the gift designation and indicate the Spartan Food Pantry.
Schedule an AppointmentMost Needed Items

York College of Pennsylvania strives to educate students who will be future leaders in society, providing them with the ability to engage with the world as citizens who are mindful of the inclusion of others.

We know diversity is needed to achieve excellence, and with this in mind, we are committed to offering a learning environment that reflects the cultures and experiences of all community members. York College of Pennsylvania is dedicated to social justice and upholding the dignity of all people. 

Behavior or actions that go against the College's principles of community, or display themes of hate, bigotry, bias, and discrimination, are not welcome at York College of Pennsylvania and will be addressed. Any member of our community who witnesses concerning activity may submit a Bias Incident Report for review by the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion and the Bias Response Team.

Learn More
  • Sueño Latino (Hispanic/Latinx)
  • Owning My Blackness (OMB)
  • Lambda
  • Black Student Union (BSU)
  • International Student Association (ISA)
  • Sigma Gamma Rho, Sorority Inc.
  • Chi Upsilon Sigma, Sorority Inc.
  • Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity Inc.
A badge graphic designates "Colleges of Distinction - Equity and Inclusion 2024 - 2025"

A Place Where Every Spartan Can Excel

York College of Pennsylvania has been recognized with an Equity & Inclusion badge by Colleges of Distinction.

"Institutions awarded an Equity & Inclusion badge not only enliven their curriculum with high-impact practices, but they also make these practices accessible in a welcoming community. Beyond diversity, these schools pursue equity by catering to the unique needs of their students regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender, or ability" (Colleges of Distinction).

Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion Staff

View All Staff
Reverend Lisa Hair
Reverend Lisa A. Hair, B.A., M.Div.
Chaplain
Spiritual Life
Alexander Hernandez-Siegel
Alexander Hernandez-Siegel, MA, EdM
Director of Student Diversity, Inclusion and Spiritual Life
Student Diversity and Inclusion
Ines Ramirez
Ines Maria Ramirez, M.B.A.
Assistant Director of Student Diversity & Inclusion and International Student Support
Student Diversity and Inclusion
1/