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 (MC) 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 MC 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 MC 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 does this office do?
The MC 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.
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.
Programming
Do you have programming suggestions for the Multicultural Center? Are you interested in collaborating with the Multicultural Center? Please complete this PIN form and someone from the Multicultural Center team will contact you! If you have questions, please email us!
A full list of events can be found on the Multicultural Center PIN Page.
Contact Us
Multicultural Center Office
Location: Student Center East, Suite 206
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 404-413-1584
Gender and Sexuality Resource Center
Student Center East, Suite 207
Phone: 404-413-1745
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
Kai Taylor-Deak
Business Manager
Jasmine Ferrell
Graduate Administrative Assistant
Rejess Marshall
Graduate Administrative Assistant
Jayla Day
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