ADVISING AND STUDENT SUCCESS
The Multicultural Center champions student success and seeks to remove social and cultural barriers by providing programs and services that will enable all students to meet their full potential and experience meaningful engagements inside and outside of the classroom. Our center provides comprehensive programming, leadership development and college to career coaching which targets students from underserved and underrepresented communities.
Community Connections
The Community Connections Mentoring Program, also known as, (C2) is an opportunity for students of marginalized and underserved communities to connect with each other, meet and be mentored by university faculty, staff & community partners and discuss topics focused on personal growth, leadership development, career readiness and social responsibility. Through this forum, students bond through shared experience and build a community of care at Georgia State and beyond.
Our C2 Groups are: LGBTQ+: Queer & Trans Resiliency Cohort (potential mentors must have successfully completed the Queer & Trans Resiliency mentor training) and Womxn of Color.
Program Benefits:
- Sense of Belonging; BE YOU in a safe space that embraces your intersectional identities and enjoy engaging with others with shared lived experiences.
- Community Connections; Establish meaningful personal and professional relationships with peers, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners that nurture YOU!
- Develop College to Career competencies; Acquire the skills that prepares you for global/intercultural citizenship and makes YOU more marketable in the workforce.
- Exclusive Access; Enjoy special consideration for special events, internships, job opportunities and scholarships tailored for YOU!
If you have any questions, please contact LaTia Sinclair.
Learn more and complete the application for mentees & mentors through PIN.
Apply to be apart of the LGBTQ+ Cohort
Apply to receive a mentor – Womxn of Color Cohort
Apply to mentor a student – Womxn of Color
Student Employment Opportunities
Graduate Administrative Assistant
- The Graduate Administrative Assistant is a professional position responsible for assisting with the development, planning, and implementation of programs and services that support the goals of the department and the academic mission of the university. The GA focuses on providing cultural awareness & community building, advocacy & student success, resources & services and education and training for social justice initiatives. Additionally, the Graduate Assistant will assist with the daily functions of the Multicultural Center & Multicultural Programs by providing administrative support and student support services.
- Candidate must be enrolled in 12 graduate credits each semester of assistantship and must be a degree-seeking student in a graduate program. Additionally, GAA must maintain a Georgia State University cumulative graduate GPA of at least 3.0. This is a 10-month commitment, which includes a $5,000.00 stipend annually and a full tuition waiver* each semester of employment.
Graduate Assistants receiving a full tuition waiver are responsible for paying all university fees, plus a $37.50 administration fee.
Internship/Practicum/ Field Placement
- You can get class credit for your involvement with the center in a practical, job-based capacity. Bring your field placement/ practicum form from your department into the office to discuss the possibilities. This experience is hands-on and may be applicable to exploring job opportunities for your future. Your experience will be tailored to fit the needs of your growth and development, as well as the needs of the center. Please note that this is an unpaid opportunity with great potential for career development.
Multicultural Awareness Peer (MAP) Ambassadors
- MAP Ambassadors are direct liaisons and extensions of the Multicultural Center, serving as trained peer facilitators that educate the Georgia State community on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. MAP Ambassadors facilitate signature Multicultural Center trainings and workshops and are also responsible for creating individual programs and events.
- MAP Ambassador positions are open to students of all academic levels. Students who are receiving Federal Work Study may apply for the MAP Ambassador position. Students who apply and are selected, however, do not receive Federal Work Study, are eligible to receive a monthly departmental stipend. Eligible students must also be able to complete both virtual and in-person activities for this position.
- This is a year-long commitment (Summer 2021- Summer 2022) which includes a monthly stipend for students who do not receive Federal Work Study and bi-weekly pay for those who are Federal Work-Study eligible. MAP Ambassadors will develop transferable leadership skills in diversity, education, inclusion and belonging further preparing and increasing marketability for selected career pathway in a society with growing demands for cultural awareness.
Student Assistant
- A Student Assistant (SA) is responsible for providing quality customer service administrative and programmatic support for the Multicultural Center/ CCI.
- Student Assistants for the MC are students that have been awarded Federal Work Study. Students must contact Financial Aid to determine eligibility for federal work-study. Students need to bring a copy of their class schedule and award letter (showing they have been awarded federal work-study, which can be accessed in their PAWS Account) to the MC where they can view the job openings on Handshake. Handshake is an innovative way for students to connect with thousands of employers, make appointments with career counselors and search for jobs and internships on and off campus. Handshake allows students to personalize career recommendations such as virtual training videos on how to apply for jobs, etc
- Upon becoming a Student Assistant, student employees will receive the following: Orientation, training, Student Rights and Responsibilities handout to review and sign, guidance with entering time into OneUSG Connect for payroll, and more.
University Assistant
- The Honors College identifies honors students to participate in the University Assistantship Program. Selected students are matched with a department or professional office of interest, providing an opportunity for them to work on special projects or research.
- Students in the assistantship program typically work eight hours per week for the entire academic year, earning a total stipend amount of up to $2,500.
- A University Assistantship is open for incoming first-year honors student or current Honors student with a 3.5 GPA.
Inclusive Leadership Opportunities
Multicultural Center Advisory Board (MCAB)
The MCAB functions as the faculty and staff advisory council which meets regularly throughout the academic year to give input on the development of the programs and services; it serves as a resource for campus diversity and as a connection for other campus diversity initiatives.
Multicultural Programming Council (MPC)
The MPC functions as the student advisory board to the Multicultural Center and its programs. The council consists of student who meet twice a month to provide input on events and initiatives developed and supported by the Multicultural Center and provide support for the events.
Multicultural Organization Coalition (MOC)
The MOC exists to promote leadership and collaboration among multicultural organizations at Georgia State University. Various multicultural organizations come together once a semester to discuss leadership development, the needs of multicultural organizations and students and cultural programming.
Multicultural Volunteer Person (MVP)
The MVP is designed to get you connected with the programs and services that we provide, while also helping the center grow and offer as much as we possibly can. A volunteer experience only requires your commitment; contact us to get started! Students will gain leadership skills, add to co-curricular transcript & resume and award/ letter of recommendation.
For more information, please contact LaTia Sinclair.
Congratulations on this incredible achievement - you have worked so hard to earn your degree, and we are so immensely proud of you! You deserve to be recognized for your accomplishments, and we hope that you will join us on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 for our 3rd annual Lavender Graduation.
Instructions for Graduates to Register:
Are you graduating Spring 2023, Summer 2023, or Fall 2023? If so, we want to honor you at Lavender Celebration! To attend this special and be recognized, please follow the steps below:
- Step 1: Sign into your Panther Involvement Network (PIN) account
- Step 2: Search for the Multicultural Center or Lavender Graduation and RSVP for Lavender Graduation
- Step 3: Complete the 2023 Lavender Graduation - Graduate Registration Form by Friday, March 31st by 11:59 p.m.
EVERYONE ELSE - COME CELEBRATE!
All members of the campus community plus family and friends of our graduates are invited to attend Lavender Celebration. RSVP is required so we can plan catering and space accordingly. RSVP for Lavender Graduation.
Please see below for frequently asked questions:
Call to Action
Day of Silence: April 14, 2023
The GLSEN Day of Silence is a national student-led demonstration where LGBTQ students and allies all around the country - and the world - take a vow of silence to protest the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination of LGBTQ+ people in schools.
On Day of Silence, after taking a vow of silence, break the silence with a virtual rally or assembly to build momentum and show your commitment to making your school more LGBTQ+ inclusive.
What is Lavender Graduation?
Lavender Graduation is an annual ceremony conducted on numerous campuses to honor lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and ally students and to acknowledge their achievements and contributions to the university. The Lavender Graduation Ceremony was created by Dr. Ronni Sanlo, a Jewish Lesbian, who was denied the opportunity to attend the graduations of her biological children because of her sexual orientation. It was through this experience that she came to understand the pain felt by her students. Encouraged by the Dean of Students at the University of Michigan, Dr. Sanlo designed the first Lavender Graduation Ceremony in 1995. The first Lavender Graduation began at the University of Michigan in 1995, with three graduates. By 2001, there were over 45 Lavender Graduation Ceremonies at colleges and universities nationwide. Graduating students, including undergraduates and graduates, are invited to take part in the celebration, which occurs each year the week prior to university-wide commencement events.
“My vision is that Lavender Graduation will be an annual celebration at every college and university in the country and that the lives of our LGBT students will be fully honored. Since LGBT students are of every race, ability, nationality, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic levels, Lavender Graduation provides a unique opportunity to present a truly multicultural event while acknowledging students who spent most of their college years succumbing to invisibility on their campuses.” – Dr. Sanlo, 1996
What is the significance of Lavender?
Why should I participate as a Lavender Graduate in the ceremony?
The Multicultural Center staff and Alumni Association are happy to honor your achievements with a ceremony to provide you with a lavender cord and certificate. After the ceremony, we host a celebratory alumni reception for attendees with light refreshments and photo opportunities.
For decades students at colleges and universities around the country have been celebrating both their academic achievements and their cultural heritages at specialized commencement events. Many of these events are student-initiated and usually occur during the university-wide commencement weekend. These events provide a sense of community for minority students who often experience tremendous culture shock at their impersonalized institutions. For many students they are the payoff for staying in school and friends and families find the smaller, more ethnic ceremonies both meaningful and personal.
Lavender Graduation is a cultural celebration that recognizes LGBTQ+ students of all races and ethnicities and acknowledges their achievements and contributions to the university as students who survived the college experience. Through such recognition LGBTQ+ students may leave the university with a positive last experience of the institution thereby encouraging them to become involved mentors for current students as well as financially contributing alumni.
Lavender Graduation is an event to which LGBTQ+ students look forward, where they not only share their hopes and dreams with one another, but where they are officially recognized by the institution for their leadership and their successes and achievements.
Who should participate in Lavender Graduation?
Are there any cost associated with Lavender Graduation?
This event is free and open to the public.
Can I participate in both the University Commencement Ceremony and Lavender Graduation celebration?
Who can attend Lavender Graduation?
Can I nominate someone for an award?
Yes! All members of the Georgia State community are invited to honor our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual/ aromantic and ally graduates at our annual Lavender Graduation celebration. The PRIDE Awards recognize individuals, departments, and organizations that have made Georgia State a safer and more inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students, faculty, staff and alumni. PRIDE Award categories include:
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- OUTstanding Student of the Year: This award is given in recognition of a graduating student who is welcoming, service-oriented and has made tremendous effort to bring visibility, support and leadership to the LGBTQ+ community at GSU.
- OUTstanding Alumni of the Year: This award is presented by the Alumni Association to GSU alumni who have demonstrated exceptional leadership through activities, activism, or policy work that exemplify an outstanding commitment to cultures, communities and inclusion.
- OUTstanding Mentor of the Year: This award is presented by the Multicultural Center in recognition of a peer or professional mentor that has contributed to the Community Connections (C2) Mentoring Initiative by supporting students in the LGBTQ+ cohort.
- OUTstanding Mentee of the Year: This award is presented by the Multicultural Center in recognition to a mentee of the Community Connections (C2) Mentoring Initiative who has demonstrated growth and resiliency within the LGBTQ+ cohort.
- OUTstanding Faculty/Staff of the Year: This award is given to a faculty/staff member who has worked to create a better campus environment for LGBTQ+ community.
- OUTstanding Community Partner: This award is given to a campus department, student organization or community member/ organization whose work has improved the student experience or removed institutional barriers for LGBTQ+ students, staff and faculty at GSU.
- OUTstanding Emerging Leader Award: This award is given to a first or second year student who has made tremendous effort to bring visibility, support and leadership to the LGBTQ+ community at GSU.
How do I request accommodations for this event?
Georgia State University seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services and activities for people with disabilities. If you will need accommodations for this event, please contact the Access and Accommodations Center at 404-413-1560 or [email protected]
What should I wear to the event?
Dress to impress; formal attire. We encourage graduates to dress up in graduation regalia (ex., cords, stoles, and graduation cap).
Where should I park?
Want to be featured on our social media?
Lavender Graduation will offer attendees the opportunity to be featured on our social media. Please tag the Multicultural Center at @multiyougsu on Instagram featuring a picture or video of yourself, so we can repost to our Instagram story. Please note that the tag to the Center's Instagram account will serve as consent to repost on our story and may be re-shared by the official GSU Instagram account @georgiastateuniversity. Please note, your account setting needs to be made public so that we can see the post and have access to re-share. We look forward to seeing the highlights you share with us!
How can I volunteer?
Day of Silence: April 14, 2023
The GLSEN Day of Silence is a national student-led demonstration where LGBTQ students and allies all around the country - and the world - take a vow of silence to protest the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination of LGBTQ+ people in schools.
On Day of Silence, after taking a vow of silence, break the silence with a virtual rally or assembly to build momentum and show your commitment to making your school more LGBTQ+ inclusive.
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