Emerson College is committed to fostering a hospitable environment in which young men and women from different ethnic and racial backgrounds can face the challenges of academic and professional life in an ever changing world. The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs stands as a testament to this commitment by providing a wide range of support services and programs specially designed for its multicultural students.
Statement of Purpose
- Support and enhance the integration of all multicultural students into the wider College community.
- Encourage multicultural students to maximize their chances for successful academic and social development by becoming full participants in the curricular and extra-curricular activities of campus life.
- Engender and maintain an atmosphere where different ethnic and racial viewpoints are disseminated, understood and respected.
Programs and Services
- Advocate for the academic, social and cultural needs of multicultural students.
- Advise and counsel students on personal, educational and financial issues.
- Establish affiliations and create networking opportunities with students, faculty and staff on the Emerson campus as well as students and professionals in and around the Greater Boston area.
- Assist students in their search for scholarship, grant, fellowship, internship and employment offerings.
- Support the recruitment, orientation and retention of multicultural students, staff and faculty.
- Mentor and guide the multicultural student organizations.
- Provide educational, cultural and social multicultural programming.
Specific programs include the following. Check the eCampus calendar for details!
Taste of Series: This program explores the connection between food and the cultures that create them. "Taste of" series features countries and cultures such as India, China, Japan and Latin America. This is a great way for you to showcase your culture. We are always looking for students who would like to teach us about their culture and customs!
Language Emmersion Program (LEP): LEP is an opportunity for students to join a peer language group. These groups consist of 5-10 students each and meet once a week throughout the semester. Once students have chosen a language they are encouraged to speak in that language only. This requires you to listen to the director and other members of the group if you are not familiar with the chosen language. Once you become accustomed to hearing the words then you are encouraged to start speaking the words. Students who have participated in this program say that it is a lot of fun and a real cultural immersion opportunity!
Dine and Discuss: This program is based on the popular "Dinner and a Movie" format. Topics range from race and class issues to the history of African Americans in America. We are always looking for new topic to dine and discuss. Make a suggestion!
Diversity Week (Cultural Awareness week): This program runs during the month of October and is an opportunity for the Campus to celebrate the cultures that make up Emerson. Programs are sponsored by many different departments and student organizations.
Black History Month: Occuring in February, this month focuses on raising awareness of the contributions of African Americans in building America. Although we sponsor programs throughout the year that celebrate African American contributions, we come together in February for a time of education, reflection and recognition!
Leadership Dinner: This event takes place every April and it is an opportunity for us to come together as a community to recognize the academic and co-curricular success of the multicultural population on campus!
Mentoring and Mentoring Program: The purpose of this program is to pair new multicultural students on campus with returning students, faculty and staff in a mentor/mentee relationship. Participants meet once a month to discuss the transition to Emerson College!
Cultural Dance Series: This program explores various cultural dances. These are performance based program where students have an opportunity to learn the dances that are performed. This program takes place throughout the academic year and features dances ranging from classical Indian to belly dancing!
Cultural Center
The Cultural Center, located in the lower level of the Max Mutchnick Campus Center at 150 Boylston Street, was established to enhance the educational, cultural and social needs of the campus community. It is the site of a variety of formal and informal events for students, faculty and staff. The office for EBONI (Emerson’s Black Organization with Natural Interests); AMIGOS (the Latino Student Organization) and ASIA (Emerson’s Asian Students for Intercultural Awareness) is housed here. The Cultural Center is available for use by student organizations recognized by Emerson College and academic and administrative departments. The facility can be reserved for special events, meetings, and educational purposes. The reservation of this space is arranged through the Office of Student Activities and the Campus Center. The Cultural Center has open lounge hours Monday through Friday 10am-6pm and 8pm-10pm and on Sunday from 4pm-8pm during the academic year.
| Undergraduate Student Organizations |
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| AMIGOS Emerson’s Latino organization is dedicated to creating awareness of the Latino community at Emerson, to share the differences within Latino cultures, and to serve the Latino community in the greater Boston area. AMIGOS is a multicultural group which welcomes everyone, Spanish-speaking or not, who would like to learn about its many cultures. |
| ASIA Emerson’s Asian Students for Intercultural Awareness (ASIA) was officially recognized as of Spring 1993. This organization was founded to provide awareness of the vast cultures present within the Asian community. ASIA is dedicated to becoming an active member in the varied social events of the Emerson community. |
| Cultural Center |
| EAGLE EAGLE was established to promote visibility and acceptance of queer culture throughout the campus and community. Membership is open to any student who is interested in aiding others with a personal acceptance of homosexuality. The group sponsors social, academic and awareness functions for the community on issues relevant to queer culture. |
| EBONI Emerson’s Black Organization with Natural Interests (EBONI) is an organization dedicated to the political and cultural reawakening of students of African descent within the emerson community. Students organize and sponsor such programs as Harambee, Kwanzaa, cultural retreats, Black History Month, and the end of the year Awards Banquet. They also maintain a resource library, and hold seminars and conferences designed to further the involvement and increase the influence of students of African descent at Emerson. |
| ECCSA The Emerson College Chinese Student Association (ECCSA) was officially recognized in the spring of 1993. This organization is dedicated to introducing Chinese culture, customs, and language to the College and the community through activities and events. ECCSA is also committed to making the College community aware of the Chinese students’ presence by introducing Chinese culture and issues to the community. ECCSA makes an effort to welcome and assist all newly arrived students from the Republic of China (Taiwan), People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, and Singapore. |
| Emerson International EI, the College’s international student organization, works with the Director of International Student Affairs to provide support for Emerson’s international population as well as increase cultural awareness within the College community.Made up of students of diverse backgrounds and interests, EI provides social and educational programs while serving as a resource for projects identified by the International Student Affairs Office. |
| Speak Up The purpose of Speak Up is to promote racial awareness on campus through activities, projects, and dialogue. |
