Multicultural Center
The Multicultural Center was established to connect and create a sense of community for underrepresented students. The Center promotes cultural exchange and enrichment among students of diverse backgrounds and identities.
Missions and Vision
Multicultural Affairs Mission & Vision
Multicultural Affairs seeks to foster an inclusive environment through intercultural competency and community building in an effort to develop, advance, and amplify the experiences of underrepresented students at Sacred Heart University. The Multicultural Center provides educational opportunities for all students, faculty, and staff to engage in cultural exchange.
Vision
Multicultural Affairs will exemplify diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging best practices at a Catholic institution.
What Services Does the Multicultural Center Offer?
- The center serves as a central location for all campus cultural engagement
- DEIB Trainings for students
- Advisement for Cultural and Identity-based groups
- Culturally relevant programming
- Personal and professional development opportunities
- Student work-study opportunities that support the function of the Multicultural Center
The Multicultural Center is one of the best things about SHU. It’s such a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by people who are not only willing to learn from your experiences but also people who are eager to share their own stories and create new ones.
Goals
- Multicultural Affairs will amplify the voices and experiences of underrepresented students by establishing the Multicultural Center as a safe space where underrepresented students can be their authentic selves and thrive.
- Through open dialogue, education, training, and programming, Multicultural Affairs will enhance the understanding of underrepresented student experiences for the university community
- Collaborate with campus entities and community organizations to provide tailored DEIB training, dialogue, and programming
- Increase our resources in order for Multicultural Affairs to expand its reach to service the growing diverse population entering the Sacred Heart community.
- Create tangible interventions such as peer mentoring success initiatives to increase the recruitment and retention of underrepresented students.
- Create programming that enhances cultural exchange, immersion, and engagement.
The Multicultural Center has become an integral part of my college experience, offering a welcoming environment and encouraging us to "bless somebody." This creates a space that is so much more than just a place to hang out. I believe that if I hold onto these values, the MC will continue to be part of me far beyond my time here at Sacred Heart.
How Can Students Get Involved?
Get involved by visiting the Multicultural Center located in the HC wing of the Main Academic Building to say hello and get more information! You can also follow the Center’s Instagram page. Students can support and attend events in person or virtually. Events hosted by the Multicultural Center speak to students’ direct experiences as underrepresented students as well as the college experience as a whole. Some flagship events and initiatives include:
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- National Coming Out Day
- Black History Month
- Multicultural Kick Back
Multicultural Student Advisory Board
As a member of the Multicultural Student Advisory Board, you'll have the opportunity to mentor other students and assist with program development, bolstering SHU’s efforts in inclusivity. The Multicultural Student Advisory Board meets biweekly with the Director of Multicultural Affairs to discuss how to better diversify the SHU campus. The members of this group act as agents of change for our students in the SHU community during the semester, offering suggestions based on what they learn regarding the cultural climate.
I truly found my home away from home within the Multicultural Center. I have been able to grow as a person and scholar through the constant support and efforts the MC has for SHU students.
Resources
- Bias Education & Support Team (BEST)
- SHU Shares food insecurity initiative
- Diversity, Inclusion & Multicultural clubs on campus