Multicultural Resource Center, fall 2022

Orientation

The division’s centers and institute, mainly the Multicultural Resource Center (MRC), Q Center and UDiversity, co-presented to thousands of incoming students at 16 Orientation events throughout the summer. The presentations highlighted the area’s resources, programs, ways to get involved and stay connected, and included a chance to enter the fall giveaway. The MRC and Q Center hosted an informational table at the Student Services Fair at each Orientation. The MRC was a notable stop on the “Hidden Gems” campus tour, welcoming students and families to the center.

Staff training

In August, the MRC onboarded a staff of 12 student staff for the academic year. The staff consists of two graduate assistants, nine student managers and one event-planning intern. The graduate staff training took place Thursday, Aug. 18, and the undergraduate staff training was held Monday, Aug. 22.Q Center student staff participated in the training part of the effort to increase cohesion between both centers.

Welcome programming

• At the start of the fall semester, the MRC hosted and participated in several programs on campus and in the Binghamton community. On Aug. 18, the MRC partnered with Mountainview’s collegiate professor, Dana Stewart, to facilitate the Common Read Tent Talks — a discussion of the book, Weapons of Math Destruction. The MRC chaired a program for the campus Common Read Initiative on Sept. 21 by hosting a facilitated screening of The Social Dilemma, when students had the opportunity to critically analyze the rise of technology and consequential effects, particularly in historically underrepresented populations.
• The MRC hosted a fall open house Aug. 24 as a community building event. New and returning students, faculty and staff joined us in the lounge.
• The MRC also hosted the first mixer for the Binghamton Honors Student of Color Affinity Group Aug. 31 with the Scholars Program, and the first of two B-Successful academic programs Aug. 29 with Student Success and Success Coaching. The second B-Successful academic program was hosted Sept. 7. These two programs were new collaborations with these departments.
• At the end of August, the MRC partnered with the American Civic Association on its Teen Night with a presentation on intercultural communication.
• The MRC continued partnerships with the Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development for its Diversity Roundtable event Sept. 20. The MRC hosted New Student of Color Mixers Sept. 1 and Sept. 22. The first program series, “Pop into the MRC, ’’ was held Sept. 23, to welcome students with music, food and games.

Committees

The MRC remained active on the Homecoming planning and Voter Engagement committees this semester and served on two search committees: Q-Center Program Coordinator and UCC Senior Counselor.