Programs
The MSC staff and Advisory Board members work in cooperation with student organizations and various campus groups and departments to develop a wide array of lectures, discussions, receptions, cultural celebrations, art displays, and theatrical performances throughout the year. Registered student organizations may seek funding for cultural programming through the Multicultural Council (MCC). Funds are allocated in a way that is likely to provide the greatest opportunity for improving the conditions of underrepresented students of color at UW-Madison. A Social justice education initiative was recently added to the MSC. A variety of workshops and discussion centered around social justice issues are developed through out the year.
The MSC sponsors the following annual programs:
- Multicultural Orientation and Reception Program (MCOR) occurs at the beginning of the year. This annual event introduces new students to a snapshot of the multicultural experience on campus. It is a way for new students to meet continuing students, faculty, staff and student organization leaders. A variety of music and cultural performances are spotlighted. This program is co-sponsored by ten campuswide departments and student organizations!
- Leadership Summit – This is an annual weekend retreat for MSC Student organization leaders that focuses on preparing them to effectively handle the personal and professional demands that fall on organizational leaders during the academic school year. The goals are:
- to support the individual development of leaders who represent organizational affiliated with the MSC
- To prepare MSC affiliated organizations for successful programming and operations for the school year
- To develop positive working relationships between and among MSC organizations and MSC staff
- To encourage coalition-building among MSC affiliated organizations.
- Multicultural Leadership Awards (MLA) are held in April every year. The MSC
sponsors an awards recognition program that recognizes and honors multicultural student
leaders on the UW Madison campus. Leaders are recognized in various categories.
- Understanding Privilege Retreat 2008, Break the Silence: Conversations about white Identity - This weekend retreat, held in conjuction with the PREA student organization, provides an opportunity for students to analyze the way that white privilege operates in U.S. Society and on our campus as well as explore paths to create a more just society and inclusive campus environment. This program is co-sponsored by the College of Letters and Science.
Usage Data
During the 2007-2008 academic year the MSC hosted and/or sponsored 759 programs, activities, and meetings that included 8701 participants. An additional 1000 students and members of the university community attended the annual Multicultural Orientation Program (MCOR), the annual welcoming event for new students of color. A total of 13,625 students utilized the MSC Infolab during the 2007-08 academic year.
The Multicultural Council funded 42 student initiated cultural programming activities and events. These programs were designed to provide out-of-classroom learning opportunities that increase cross-cultural connections, provide students with opportunities for meaningful interaction and promote cultural understanding
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