Programs and Services
WHAT WE DO
The Multicultural Center supports and encourages students to fully participate in college life, and provides guidance and direction to help any student find resources, explore opportunities, and develop or enhance their academic and personal skills. We also provide resources and support to individuals, groups, and organizations seeking to develop multicultural-focused workshops and programs.
Any student or employee may participate and, when open to the public, the community in general may participate. The only exceptions are when space limitations restrict attendance; then, audience or target population is by invitation only to those whom the program or activity will impact the most.
The Center serves the institution, its populations, and the surrounding community in numerous ways including, but not limited to:
- Providing and facilitating leadership development opportunities
- Hosting programs, events, workshops and classes relative to multiculturalism and diversity
- Planning and implementing student-focused programs
- Offering Center space for diversity programs and special events
- Serving as referral and liaison to various campus departments, organizations, and committees
- Supporting diversity-centered projects, activities and programs via co-planning and/or co-funding
- Serving as supplemental mentors and advisors to student organizations and groups
- Serving the community via development/implementation of outreach programs to agencies and area schools
- Disseminating information on scholarships and other opportunities for students
- Developing and facilitating workshops and training in leadership, diversity, and multiculturalism
UJIMA CONFERENCE
The Ujima Conference is held annually in the Spring, featuring a keynote speaker and various workshops facilitated by current student leaders, MCC student workers and/or Kutztown alumni. "Ujima" is one of the 7 principles of Kwanzaa, meaning "community" or "collective work and responsibility". This conference gives students opportunities to research areas of interest and enhance presentation skills. It is open to all Kutztown University students and students invited from other System Schools as well as surrounding universities and colleges.
Check out pictures and flyers from past events below!
Cornell William Brooks, 18th Pres. & CEO of the NAACP, keynote speaker Ujima 2023
Dr. Brenda Muzeta, Asst. Prof. of Special Education, presents "I Am the Daughter of Africa" for Ujima 2023
Students with Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X, Ujima 2022
Students with Chief Warrant Officer 5 Phillip Brashear, Ujima 2022
Presentations/Trainings
The Multicultural Services offers several presentations and trainings available to the KU community. Please contact Angelica Mishra, Office Manager of Multicultural Services, at mishra@kutztown.edu if you are interested in bringing a campus group, department, or class to the Multicultural Center. Availability is based on staff schedules and may be limited at times.
Below are the presentations offered for the 2022-23 academic year.
Implicit Bias and Microaggressions
Description: After defining bias and implicit bias, this presentation explores the root causes and manifestations of implicit bias on and off campus, and how to both identify and work towards addressing ones' own biases.
Presenter: Graduate Assistant for Promotion, Collaboration, & Cultural Exchange
Length of Presentation: 50 minutes (interactive)
Location: Multicultural Center (student groups and classes hosted at Center)
How to Be an Inclusive Ally
Description: This presentation explores how to better create a community of belonging and atmosphere of open learning regarding what it means to be a more inclusive ally.
Presenter: Graduate Assistant for Recruitment, Retention, & Success
Length of Presentation: 50 minutes (interactive)
Location: Multicultural Center (student groups and classes hosted at Center)
Appropriation Vs. Appreciation
Description: This presentation highlights the difference between appropriation and appreciation of culture(s). It also provides solutions on how to address appropriation. The presentation is discussion-based and allows the audience to explore, in a meaningful way, personal situations they have encountered.
Presenter: Graduate Assistant for Student and Leadership Development
Length of Presentation: 50 minutes (interactive)
Location: Multicultural Center (student groups and classes hosted at Center)
Multicultural Services Overview and Description
Description: This in-classroom presentation provides a brief overview of the Center, its overall mission, and current programming.
Presenter: Rotating
Length of Presentation: 20-30 minutes
Location: FYS classrooms