In response to legislative mandates, Iowa State University, along with other institutions under the Iowa Board of Regents, is undergoing a restructuring of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices. This project emerges amidst concerns from underrepresented students about the potential impact of these changes on their college experiences.

Through a series of interviews, mobile photography, and audio documentation, this research aimed to illuminate the diverse pathways of success and struggle for students with underrepresented identities at Iowa State University, a Predominantly White Institution (PWI).

The project revealed how various factors, including the student’s college and the names of programs and opportunities, intersect to shape their access to resources and sense of belonging. Despite available resources, challenges such as finding community and feeling marginalized by the campus climate persist for students from underrepresented backgrounds.

These findings underscore the importance of amplifying underrepresented voices to understand the nuanced challenges and triumphs students encounter within the campus community and to identify institutional barriers. Moreover, the results highlight the necessity of advocating for inclusive policies and practices within higher education institutions to enhance the academic journey of underrepresented students.