Office of Multicultural Services and Student Programs (MSSP)

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Who we are...

In 1988, Saint Mary's College created the Office of Minority, International and Non-Traditional (MINT) Student Life. This office would later grow to become the Office of Multicultural Affairs and now we've become Multicultural Services and Student Programs (MSSP). Our office fosters a sense of community at Saint Mary's College.

The mission of Multicultural Services and Student Programs is to advance the understanding of diversity at all levels by providing educational programs, services, support systems, networks and the review and implementation of policies and procedures on diversity initiatives.

Three major objectives of Multicultural Services and Student Programs are education, retention and outreach.

Education:

• Provide educational programs and services dealing with diversity issues both nationally and internationally.
• Maintain a resource library of novels, scholarship information, art, music, biographies, reference books, periodicals, documentaries, culturally diverse movies and literature on multicultural education.
• Give students the opportunity to obtain professional leadership experience through their attendance at national and local leadership conferences.

Retention:

• Help students excel academically by working with faculty and academic affairs. The MSSP staff is available for presentations in the classroom or to act as discussion leaders on diversity.
• Host a Multicultural Orientation for first year students connecting them with upper class students, alumnae, faculty, staff and resources in the community.
• Provide a social and professional place to gather for meetings, small classes, study groups and social events.

Outreach:

• Host the "My First Day in College" program. This pre-college program gives Saint Mary's students the opportunity to serve as host and mentors for high school students. The program gives students a chance to visit and experience college life.
• Provide an electronic newsletter giving information about scholarships, conferences, and upcoming events on campus and in the community.
• Assist in locating volunteer opportunities in the community giving the student the opportunity to network and work with community leaders.