ABOUT US
Mission Statement: The Multicultural Center (MC) is committed to increasing cultural competence and preparing students for global citizenship by cultivating a culture of care through:
• Cultural awareness & community building,
• Advocacy & student success,
• Resources & services, and
• Education & training for social justice initiatives.
We strive to foster an inclusive and culturally competent campus environment where every community member, regardless of age, ability, faith/religion, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin, feel a strong sense of belonging and their identity and experiences are acknowledged, valued, respected and celebrated.
The Multicultural Center welcomes all students, faculty, staff and community members to take advantage of our programs and services and invite cross-cultural collaboration with internal and external campus partners so that we may best serve the needs of our diverse community. Examples of our programs and services include affinity group support, brave/safe spaces, cultural competency trainings, discussion programs, heritage month events and social justice initiatives. Through these transformative educational opportunities, the Multicultural Center supports the university’s mission and strategic goals to enhance the global competency of students, faculty and staff and to be a nationally recognized model for leadership in inclusion.
The Multicultural Center is committed to providing programs and services that support student success through a Culture of C.A.R.E. by:
Cultural awareness & community building
Cultivating an inclusive campus environment where students feel a strong sense of belonging and where their identity and experience are acknowledged, valued, respected and celebrated through cultural awareness and community building
Advocacy & student success
Advocating and enhancing learning experiences and leadership opportunities for underrepresented and marginalized communities to support retention, progression and graduation
Resources & services
Responding to the needs of students by leveraging academic, community and student support services through an array of resources housed in or in partnership with our office.
Education & training for social justice initiatives
Educating the community through dialogue, cultural competency workshops/ trainings, and social justice initiatives which prepare students for lifelong learning & global citizenship.
Core Values
Our core values form the foundation of our work and conduct. They describe our belief system which reflects our mission. They help to guide us in making critical decisions and reflect our commitments to our stakeholders. the following values guide our work:
Student-Centered
We keep students at the forefront of every program we design, every administrative decision we make, and every educational opportunity we embrace. We foster students' abilities to think critically and solve problems, which will serve them well after they graduate.
Pluralism
We promote diversity by cultivating an inclusive community in which myriad identities, perspectives, ideas, and beliefs contribute to academic rigor, self-exploration, and an understanding of others. We encourage students to broaden their views, to be open to new experiences, and to apply their education toward addressing social, political, economic and environmental challenges confronting our communities.
Integrity
We are committed to ethical practices, respect, civility, authenticity and accountability in our work. We operate and educate our students in an atmosphere of openness and are committed to the highest professional standards in all endeavors.
Collaboration
We engage students, faculty, staff, and community partners with mutual trust, unconditional regard, and support. We treat each other with dignity, respect, and appreciation. Modeling these behaviors, we help prepare students to approach life and work in a collaborative manner.
Engagement
We emphasize the critical importance of engagement as a means of promoting personal growth and learning in all aspects of students' lives. We approach engagement as a process rather than a product, with the intention of building community to foster intellectual curiosity, civic responsibility, leadership, and respect for others. We use the total campus environment and the broader community to educate our students and help them understand the benefit of experiential learning.
Introspection
As growing leaders in a global world, self-awareness is a must. It is very important to lean into the ways our background, identity and experiences have shaped us. The Multicultural Center offers a range of training, workshops and events that encourage our campus community to consider who they are and how they engage difference and diversity on our campus and in our world. Students are given access to tools and information designed to increase their cultural competence and intercultural engagement.
What We Do
About the Multicultural Center
Where is the Multicultural Center located?
The center is located on the second floor of Student Center East, suite 206, just right of the elevator exit.
What are the hours of operation?
The center is open 8:30 a.m. – 5:15 p.m.
What is the mission of the Multicultural Center?
The Multicultural Center (MC) is committed to increasing cultural competence and preparing students for global citizenship by cultivating a culture of care through:
- Cultural awareness & community building,
- Advocacy & student success,
- Resources & services, and
- Education & training for social justice initiatives.
We strive to foster an inclusive and culturally competent campus environment where every community member, regardless of age, ability, faith/religion, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin, feel a strong sense of belonging and their identity and experiences are acknowledged, valued, respected and celebrated.
What does this office do?
The Multicultural Center welcomes all students, faculty, staff and community members to take advantage of our programs and services and invite cross-cultural collaboration with internal and external campus partners so that we may best serve the needs of our diverse community. Examples of our programs and services include affinity group support, brave/safe spaces, cultural competency trainings, discussion programs, heritage month events and social justice initiatives. Through these transformative educational opportunities, the Multicultural Center supports the university’s mission and strategic goals to enhance the global competency of students, faculty and staff and to be a nationally recognized model for leadership in inclusion.
What types of services or programs does this office offer?
Through our Culture of C.A.R.E programming model, the Multicultural Center offers programs of:
- Cultural Awareness & Community Building that include our Panther Welcome events, Heritage Month events, cultural observances, as well as our “Be You, MULTI You” campaign,
- Advising & Student Success that includes our Community Connections mentoring initiative and inclusive leadership programs,
- Resources & Services including our Culture Cafe, Gender & Sexuality Resource Center, Library resources and conference room spaces, and
- Education & Training for Social Justice initiatives which include workshops and trainings focusing on cultural humility, allyship, and community awareness
Are there programs and events offered on the Perimeter campuses?
Yes! The Multicultural Center does programming and events on Perimeter campuses as well. For information about Perimeter events contact Tonya Cook or LaTia Sinclair.
How can I join or participate in any of these programs or events?
All events and programs are on Georgia State’s university calendar as well as the Panther Involvement Network. All events and programs are also promoted on digital screens around the campuses and they are free! Questions about programs and events should be sent to the Multicultural Center.
Is there a place to study or hold meetings in your office?
There is one study room in the Multicultural Center available for use! This room is equipped with a large screen monitor, computer and movable furniture. The maximum capacity per room is 10 people. Rooms can be reserved as long as needed if there is no conflict with other reservations. Rooms can also be reserved online.
Who do I talk to about working for the Multicultural Center?
Drop by the center to inquire about positions! For student assistant inquiries, email Tonya Cook. For Multicultural Awareness & Peer (MAP) Ambassador inquiries, email LaTia Sinclair. For graduate assistantships, please forward resumes to the Multicultural Center.
How does this office impact students?
Through open dialogue, a safe space and many resources the Multicultural Center helps create autonomy in students as well as sharper critical and logical thinking. The center also helps students to become more comfortable and affirming of all identities, therefore, increasing academic success!
Student Engagement & Programs
Whether you are beginning your college career here at Georgia State, making a campus change, transferring from another institution, or resuming your college career after some time away, we in Student Engagement are thrilled that you’re part of the Panther family. Below, you’ll find a number of short video vignettes and a guide to help you get acclimated to different aspects of life outside the classroom at Georgia State.
Creating a Safe and Healthy Space
COVID-19 UPDATES
As we return to campus this academic year, the Multicultural Center is committed to providing a safe environment. The following guidelines are being put in place to help ensure your safety and the safety of our staff. We are asking our patrons for their mutual commitment to help us keep the Multicultural Center and our Georgia State community safe while using our spaces.
- The health and safety of our students, members, and staff are our top priorities. We will follow CDC guidelines and Georgia Public Health safe practices for COVID-19. If you are not feeling well or are experiencing any of the symptoms related to COVID-19, please stay home. Please visit the CDC website for the full list of symptoms. Visit COVID-19 Info for the University’s plan for reopening the entire campus. We have outlined our new policies, safety guidelines, cleaning information, and other important facts so you’ll know what to expect when you visit us and what we’ll be doing to protect everyone.
Information is subject to change.
Programming
Do you have programming suggestions for the Multicultural Center? Are you interested in collaborating with the Multicultural Center? Please complete the form below and someone from the Multicultural Center team will contact you! If you have questions, please email us!
November Events:
- 11/2/22- Pop Talks | 12:15-1:30pm | SCE 206
- 11/2/22- Community Connections: Women of Color | 3-4pm | SCE 206
- 11/2/22- Queer Spookfest Night | 5:30-8:00pm | Student Center Ballroom
- 11/4/22- Community Connections: Queer and Trans Resiliency (LGBTQ+) | 1-2pm | SCE206
- 11/7/22- Promotional Table | 12:30-1:30pm | Unity Plaza
- 11/7/22- Culture Café at the Intersection | 1-3pm | SCE 210
- 11/8/22- STORYTELLERS: First Generation Celebration | 12-2pm | Student Center Ballroom
- 11/9/22- Baldwin Book Club: Undocumented | 10-11am | Library North, 1st Floor, Classroom 1
- 11/9/22- Community Connections: Women of Color | 3-4pm | SCE 206
- 11/11/22- Community Connections: Queer and Trans Resiliency (LGBTQ+) | 1-2pm | SCE 206
- 11/15/22- In the (State) Zone: Safe Zone Training & Workshop | 1-4PM | Online
- 11/16/22- Pop Talks | 12:15-1:30pm | SCE 206
- 11/16/22- Baldwin Book Club: Undocumented | 3-4pm | Online
- 11/16/22- Community Connections: Women of Color | 3-4pm | SCE 206
- 11/17/22- Gather: The American-International Thanksgiving Feast | 12-2pm | Rialto
- 11/18/22- Community Connections: Queer and Trans Resiliency (LGBTQ+) | 1-2pm | SCE 206
- 11/28/22- Promotional Table | 12:30-1:30pm | Unity Plaza
- 11/29/22- Queer Destress Fest | 3-4PM | SCE 206
- 11/30/22- Pop Talks | 12:15-1:30pm | SCE 206
- 11/30/22- Community Connections: Women of Color | 3-4pm | SCE 206
The Multicultural Center will operate under standard hours of operation. Our office will be open Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Fully vaccinated individuals can resume campus classes, work and other activities, including visiting the Multicultural Center without wearing a mask, however wearing a mask will not be discouraged. Unvaccinated individuals are strongly encouraged to continue wearing a face covering while inside campus facilities, including the Multicultural Center.
- Masks and face coverings are strongly suggested for those who are unvaccinated.
- Do not visit the Multicultural Center if you are sick or experiencing any of the symptoms of COVID-19.
- Practice proper personal hygiene. Wash your hands frequently!
- Practice CDC guidelines on social distancing.
- Closely follow all building and center signage and guidelines.
- Bring in your own personal items if you can: hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, etc.
- Please let a staff member know if you witness anyone not following these guidelines or if you feel unsafe at any time.
- Provide your feedback on your experience in our center to a staff member if possible!
The Multicultural Center will have a hybrid option for most of our events during the academic year. All virtual links will be included on our website, social media, and PIN event pages. If you have any questions about virtual links, you may contact us directly.
The Multicultural Center will resume full functionality of all the spaces in the center, including the Gender & Sexuality Resource Center. While we will be returning to standard functionality, including capacity, we strongly encourage all visitors to practice healthy habits such as washing or sanitizing hands, wearing masks when needed, and allowing room for distance.
If you would like to reserve one of our rooms in the Multicultural Center, but you do not want to come in to our physical space, you may call us at 404-413-1584 to reserve, or you may reserve a space online. If you are unable to call or reserve online, we do allow walk-in reservations. In order to enter the Multicultural Center to make a reservation, you must wear a mask at all times and follow all social distancing guidelines.
Contact Us
Multicultural Center Office
Office Location:
Student Center East 206
Gender and Sexuality Resource Center
Student Center East
Suite 207
Phone: 404-413-1745
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Multicultural Center Staff
Associate Director- Cultures, Communities & Inclusion (CCI)
LaTia Sinclair, M.S.
Program Specialist
Tonya Cook,MS-HRD, CLC
Coordinator of Student Engagement- Global Communities
Chrissonia McCall, M.S.
Coordinator of Student Engagement- Gender & Sexuality Education
VACANT
Business Manager
VACANT
Graduate Administrative Assistant,
Rejess Marshall
Graduate Administrative Assistant,
Elizabeth Townsend
Mailing Address
Multicultural Center
Georgia State University
P.O. Box 3973
Atlanta, GA 30302-3973
Overnight Shipping Address
Multicultural Center
Georgia State University
Student Center East, Suite 206
55 Gilmer Street
Atlanta, GA 30303