At the heart of our campus lies the Multicultural Programs department, a dynamic team committed to fostering cultural competence and providing essential resources for students.
Who We Are
The Multicultural Programs department is a dedicated team working to support the diverse cultural, educational, and social needs of our students. Our team consists of 2 full-time employees, 2 graduate assistants, 5 students employees (including 2 grant specialists), 1 intern, and 1 committed volunteer. Together, we are passionate about fostering inclusivity and providing resources to empower the entire campus community.
What We Do
Our primary focus is to promote cultural competence through thoughtful programming and initiatives. By hosting educational events and offering resources, we encourage students to explore, celebrate, and respect the rich diversity on our campus. Our department plays a crucial role in connecting students to one another while fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome.
Our Mission
Inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to meeting individual needs and supporting students as they navigate their academic and personal journeys. By offering spaces for reflection, dialogue, and community engagement, we ensure that students can thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Collaboration Opportunities
We believe in collaboration and are always open to partnering with other departments, student organizations, or community members. Whether it’s co-hosting events, sharing ideas, or initiating new inclusive projects, we’re excited to work together to make a lasting impact. If you have an idea, let us know!
Champions for Student Success
At Multicultural Programs, we recognize that student success is more than just academics. Our department provides spaces for religious practice, social interaction, and meaningful dialogue. We support students by creating a welcoming atmosphere where they can express themselves and learn from one another. Our goal is to ensure that all students feel comfortable and empowered to engage with diverse perspectives, fostering personal and academic growth.
Recent Achievements
We are proud of the progress we’ve made in creating an inclusive community. One of our key accomplishments this year has been securing a $25,000 grant from Springfield Black Tie, allowing us to support over 30 students in need. We’ve also seen an increase in student engagement, with more students participating in our events and initiatives. Additionally, we have made significant improvements to the Multicultural Resource Center, ensuring it is more accessible and welcoming to all.
Goals for the Year Ahead
Looking ahead, our priorities include securing additional funding to expand our programs and strengthening our partnerships with both Missouri State University and the Springfield community. We are also focused on providing even more support to multicultural student organizations, with the aim of fostering a vibrant, diverse campus environment.
Get Involved!
There are plenty of opportunities for students to get involved with our department. Whether you want to help organize events, assist with managing donations for our transition closet, or propose new programming ideas, we encourage you to take part. Many of our initiatives are student-led, and we are always eager to help bring your vision to life.
Stay Connected
Stay up to date with our upcoming events, workshops, and opportunities by following us on social media, visiting our website, or subscribing to our bi-weekly newsletter, Shoutout. We are also happy to answer any questions you have via email.