Multicultural Student Forum (MSF)

The Multicultural Student Forum - it is very much a continuous work-in-progress - shaped by those who participate - as it evolves from a DCC report recommendation into a student-driven success.

What is it?
Briefly stated, this is an all-student, ongoing forum on *ALANA* and *Multicultural* campus life issues, meeting weekly during the academic year.  Sometimes it will be wide open conversations with participants, sometimes there will be hot topic agendas, and sometimes guests will be invited in to learn and share (College President, Alumnae, Administrators, Faculty, Staff, etc.).

Mission?
Keeping it as *real* as we can, keeping *communication* lines open, bringing what's up into *dialogue*, and supporting individual and group *action* for positive change in our community. Learning together. Teaching each other. Learning from invited mentors. Passing information about "multicultural community" concerns to administration and others in the campus community. Hearing from administration on topics that concern us.  Sustaining a body of *engaged* student *voices* committed to a vital diversity and inclusiveness agenda at MHC.

Who?
Any MHC student who wants to participate. Especially encouraged are students who want to engage in this work, but are not necessarily affiliated with student orgs.  Also encouraged are representatives of the registered cultural student orgs and cultural houses. It is not essential that org chairs be those representatives. You do not have to attend every session to be an active participant - come and go as you feel inspired.

Where?/When?
Meetings are held every academic Friday ~ 2:30 to 4pm. Blanchard Campus Center, Room 108. 

Opening/ Weekly "Check-In"
What inspired or ignited you this week at MHC that relates to personal identity issues, multicultural/social justice work, living in community at Mount Holyoke or similar?

Weekly Announcements are distributed by the staff mentors via the  e-list. Any student can request to be added to this e-list.

Cultural Heritage Months
Often the planning teams for the various Cultural Heritage Months are meeting immediately after this session (4pm Fridays) and that has also integrated well with this process.

Staff mentors:
Tanya Williams, Coordinator of Multicultural Affairs
Adriana DiPasquale, Counseling Services
Kris Bergbom, Office of Student Programs, MCCL Committee Member

For more information, please call: 413-538-2550