Intercultural Affairs at UGA

HISTORY
MISSION
ORGANIZATIONS

We at MSP believe that every student has a story to tell and that each and every story is unique. Multiculturalism is not about race. It is about individual people with individual stories to tell. Someone from rural South Georgia has a different story than someone from Los Angeles, New York, or Atlanta. All of these stories make up the wonderfully diverse community of UGA.

It is our desire to provide an avenue where these stories are shared with one another. This is the central philosophy that MSP brings to the heart of UGA. We are a community that centers on the idea that understanding comes when individuals recognize one another’s common humanity.

It is our hope that every student at UGA will have their lives enriched by participating in the programs and services provided by MSP. Please stop by and hear a story or come and share your story!

History

Drafted on the ideas of two UGA students, the former Minority Services and Programs, MSP, first opened its doors in September of 1989. The Black Faculty and Staff Organization and the President’s Minority Advisory Committee (PMAC) were instrumental in gaining support and approval from then UGA President, Charles Knapp, to establish MSP. Dr. Leslie K. Bates was chosen as the first director of MSP. His tenure was followed by Dr. Sherwood Thompson and then Vanessa Williams Smith. Marisela Martinez recently joined the staff on August 1, 2006.

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Mission

The Office of Multicultural Services and Programs promotes student development through educational programs, cultural awareness and leadership activities. These components will create inclusion and retention in the University of Georgia community with the support of students, alumni, faculty and staff. We value and celebrate diversity, similarities among cultures, and the appreciation of everyone.

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Organizations

ASIAN-AMERICAN STUDENT ASSOCIATION (AASA) www.uga.edu/aasa
The Asian-American Student Association (AASA) is a student-run organization for the purpose of developing unity within the Asian-American community and the community at large. AASA strives to promote the ideals of multiculturalism, and to connect Asian students to the UGA campus. AASA also stands to educate others about the Asian culture.

BLACK AFFAIRS COUNCIL (BAC) www.uga.edu/bac
The Black Affairs Council (BAC) assists the University in meeting the needs of African-American students. BAC and its standing committees work to preserve, enhance, examine, celebrate, and maintain the African-American culture at UGA. This is done through open forums, workshops and special meetings that address specific needs of the black student community and educate the total student body about the African American culture. The annual events include the Unity Ball and the Oratorical Contest.

HISPANIC STUDENT ASSOCIATION (HSA) www.uga.edu/hsa
The Hispanic Student Association preserves and promotes the Hispanic culture throughout UGA and the Athens community. HSA assists Hispanic students as they adjust to UGA and works to establish the idea of a society that not only recognizes one another’s similarities, but also understands and appreciates the richness of one another’s cultural differences. The signature events for this student organization are Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month and Noche Latina.

INDIAN CULTURAL EXCHANGE (ICE) www.uga.edu/ice
The Indian Cultural Exchange is dedicated to bringing the Indian community as well as others together through many social, cultural, political and community service events held throughout the academic year. Annual events include National Ghandi Day of Service, South Asian Heritage Week, Garba Night and Diwali Dinner in the Fall and India Nite in the Spring.

INFUSION MAGAZINE www.uga.edu/infusion
The purpose of InfUSion magazine is to provide a journalistic medium where diverse students can speak their minds, voice their opinions, and exhibit their creativity. InfUSion serves as the only multi-cultural magazine on the University of Georgia's campus.

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