The Cultural Well-Being Office has been established by Brigham Young University – Idaho to focus on the diverse needs, issues, and integration of students of cultural diversity in the University community, and to assist students as they matriculate to maximize opportunities to share with all students their unique cultural heritage while growing individually within the rich environment nurtured by a focused faculty and student service groups.

To accomplish this goal, the CWB advisor will nurture students of all cultures and unique backgrounds by following the gospel theme of fellowship and help build friendships and provide opportunities for all students to feel a part of the university through integration without the loss of cultural identity. Furthering a spirit of oneness through appreciation and understanding of cultural customs and traditions that are in harmony with gospel principles will be accomplished through organizing Cultural Associations at BYU-Idaho.

BYU-Idaho does not conform to the traditional attitudes toward “Multicultural” titles and references. Rather, we believe that each student brings to the university a unique background and culture, regardless of race or ethnicity, and our purpose is to honor the diversity of our campus community. The words of Paul, written in Galatians (3:26) emphasize the mission of the Cultural Well-Being Office: “Ye are all the children of god by faith in Christ Jesus.”

Elder Dallin H. Oaks reminds us: “Our church has an approach to the obvious culture and ethnic diversities among our members. We teach that what unites us is far more important than what differentiates us. Consequently, our members are asked to concentrate their efforts to strengthen our unity – not to glorify our diversity.” (Weightier Matters, Ensign, Jan. 2001).

Students are invited to contact the Cultural Well-Being Office, located in Kimball 270 during regular office hours M-F 8a.m. to 5 p.m. or by contacting the Cultural Well-Being Advisor by phone (496-1120) or e-mail (goldl@byui.edu).

Services offered through the CWB Office include Cultural Associations, Cultural Well-Being Scholarships, as well as opportunities for students to become involved in the campus community.