About the Multicultural Meet and Greet
The Multicultural Meet and Greet is an orientation that encourages a sense of belonging for students of color at 51福利社 and in the greater Kalamazoo community. The event intends to increase retention and graduation rates for 51福利社 students of color through coordinated efforts and college and community collaboration.
Date: Monday, Sept. 16, 2024
Time: 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: 51福利社 Student Center
The purposes of the event are to:
- Foster a sense of belonging and community among students who are traditionally marginalized.
- Communicate to students of color that they are welcomed, valued, and supported on campus and in the Kalamazoo community.
- Develop personal connections and connect to resources to enhance the college experience for students of color.
- Discuss issues important to students of color.
- Create knowledge and understanding related to identity and systemic marginalization and to partner with others to bring proactive change that is equitable for all.
Program Elements
Faculty Panel: Faculty of color from participating colleges provide tips for students to be successful at the institution. The panel also provides a question and answer period for students and an opportunity for faculty of color to mingle with one another and students.
Resource Room & Tables: Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) as well as campus and community partners host tables where they provide resources to student and welcome them to campus and the Kalamazoo community. Some may discuss issues that matter to students of color in this environment. Most activities focus on cultural acclimation and belonging.
DJ/Dancing: A DJ plays live music during the event where students can dance and receive instructed dance lessons.
Barber: Local barbers provide free haircuts to students.
Culturally Inclusive Food: Dishes that represent the domestic student of color communities are served after the faculty panel.
Prizes: Campus and community partners provide prizes for students who participate in meet and greet activities during the program.
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Event summary: 87% of attendees believed the multicultural meet and greet was beneficial to their belonging.