Mission Statement

Multicultural Student Services (MSS)

The mission of Multicultural Student Services is to increase awareness, cultivate inclusiveness and mutual respect of diversity and multicultural aspects of African American, Hispanic, Asian and Native American people throughout the community.

Multicultural Student Services provides an inviting environment for multicultural students at EMU. We embrace the African Proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” We provide a place for students to develop and grow through mentoring each other, spending time together and planning and implementing programs for the campus and greater community, with the goal of
affirming and celebrating diversity. Welcome to “The Village.”

The office and student clubs offer annual campus wide programs and encourage the
EMU and greater community to participate. Some of our offerings include: Black
History Month, Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month, Latino Heritage Month, Latino Student Banquet, Town Hall on Race,
Semena Santra, Chapels and Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, along with
other cultural activities and various service opportunities in the greater Harrisonburg
area throughout the year.

The MSS office also provides support and advocacy to American students of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color descent (BIPOC). Additionally, with
guidance from staff, students are empowered to succeed academically, culturally,
socially and spiritually. We assist students in recognizing, cultivating and actualizing
their potential to thrive and succeed at EMU and beyond. This is accomplished
through student run organizations such as the Alpha and Omega Dancers for Christ,
Black Student Alliance, Latino Student Alliance, Asian Pacific Islander Student Alliance , and EMU Gospel Choir.
These clubs are advised by the director and multicultural student adviser of MSS and
serve as a venue for intercultural experiences for the entire EMU and greater
community. The communities benefit from opportunities to partake in our positive,
welcoming and diverse community. For more information see emu.edu/studentlife

Multicultural Student Services
The Multicultural Student Services office serves students who have been historically
underrepresented and marginalized in our country. Their presence helps enrich the

campus and fosters cultural connection into daily campus life. We provide them with
tools and resources to enhance their sense of belonging and help them successfully
navigate the complex challenges and opportunities they may encounter during their
time at EMU. Additionally, we strive to build connections with campus and
community constituencies who work with and on behalf of Multicultural students to
collaborate on areas of mutual concern; and strengthen cultural understanding across
areas of difference, including cultural background, language, and all areas of identity.
Multicultural Student Services provides educational opportunities and cultural
programs that encourage members of the entire campus community to expand their
cultural and global competencies.