Office of Multicultural Affairs provides professional, emotional support for students
Audra Linsner | Asst. Illustration Editor
The Office of Multicultural Affairs is home to dozens of programs and clubs, including arts, professional development and community outreach organizations. But while these programs range in their focus and interests, all of them have helped incoming students of color find their home away from home.
Tatiana Alessandra Hernandez-Mitchell, a junior psychology and forensic science double major, first learned about OMA at an accepted Syracuse University students event in New York City. There, she was introduced to Dimensions, a peer-to-peer mentoring program designed for self-identified women of color — she knew she wanted to get involved as soon as she got to campus.
“I really felt it would be the best way to acclimate to the college campus as well as meet more women of color,” she said.
Hernandez-Mitchell said some of her best experiences with Dimensions have involved outreach in the Syracuse community. Dimensions volunteers at local refugee centers and the organization hosts a day-long summit for high school girls in Syracuse.
The organization supports academic success and promotes self-confidence through weekly dialogue and activities that strengthen leadership skills, per an informational flyer from OMA.
Hernandez-Mitchell said she “found her place” with Dimensions and recommends the group to anyone who is looking for a place where they can feel comfortable at SU.
The WellsLink Leadership Program, also offered through OMA, is an academic mentorship program designed for first-year students of color. The program helps support students academically, professionally and emotionally.
Blair McQueen, a junior film major, is the WellsLink Intern for this academic year. She said the program helped her connect with people from similar backgrounds, including her roommate.
“Whatever you want out of WellsLink, you relay that to your academic consultant and your mentor, and they’re gonna help you give you the groundwork to make sure that happens,” McQueen said.
She added that WellsLink helps students of color “know their value and worth to be able to succeed.”
Other programs OMA offers include fullCIRCLE, Verbal Blend, the Native Student Program, Conversations About Race & Ethnicity and NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program.
Published on September 4, 2018 at 11:17 pm
Contact Haley: hrober03@syr.edu
