Ball State University

                                            Powerful Resources, Personal Learning

 

 So what is the MULTICULTURAL CENTER all about?

 

 

 

Vision

The Multicultural Center continues to be a resource for the recruitment, retention and enrichment of students of color and will be a reference center to develop all students into  citizens who are more culturally aware, tolerant and accepting of others who may be different from themselves.

 

Mission

The mission of the Multicultural Center is to support and advance the University’s commitment to cultural diversity.

 

The Center brings together diverse populations to provide cross-cultural exchanges and noteworthy research through a myriad of cultural, educational, artistic, social and technological initiatives.  Its purpose is to offer programs and services that assist students of color and students of all cultures in their achievement of academic, cultural, economic and social success.  We value the following in support of the mission:

 

§         The Center is a resource for art, history, literature and culture.

§         We assist students of color in acquiring greater understanding of their culture and heritage.

§         We provide collaborative cultural programming by strengthening and creating partnerships with Student Affairs units and academic disciplines.

§         We support student success and personal development by providing cutting-edge resources and programs.

§         We develop programs that complement and bridge those offered by University College and the Career Center to assist students in their academic achievement and career preparation.

§         We provide outreach programs that respond to student and campus needs based on empirical research data.

 

ALL RACES, CREEDS AND COLORS OF PEOPLE ARE WELCOME HERE!

 

Programs

One World Series 

This annual series of lectures and performances brings awareness to current issues and historical perspectives of a diverse community of people.  The One World Series provides cultural programming for the University and Muncie community.

 

EXCEL Program

The EXCEL Program is offered to matriculating students.  The three-day institute is designed to address transition issues from high school to college for students of color.  The EXCEL Program is open to all freshmen students who have been admitted to Ball State University.

 

Brown Bag Luncheon Series

One Friday of each month here at the MC we will discuss various issues regarding Diversity and Multiculturalism. Typical attendees have included BSU Administration, graduate students, undergraduates, Muncie representatives, and community leaders.

 

MC Film Series

Features various films throughout the year regarding historical and social perspectives regarding various cultures.

 

MC Book Club

Features a major book tackling the issue of diversity, race, gender, and multiculturalism. The first 15 students will receive a copy of the book free and the group of students will meet throughout the semester to discuss the readings, excerpts, and chapters in depth.

 

Activities

Achievement Awards Ceremony

This annual event recognizes the achievement of students and the support of faculty and staff in advancing the Center’s and the University’s commitment to diversity.

 

Welcome Back Barbecue

This annual event, held during the first week of fall semester, is to help students become acquainted with the programs and services of the Center.  Freshmen students will have the opportunity to meet all of the Student of Color Organizations including sororities and fraternities.  Students will have the opportunity to get involved with upperclassmen in leadership roles.  

 

Advisory board

Multicultural Center Advisory Board

The advisory board includes students, faculty, staff and alumni.  This group advises the center on issues related to the new Multicultural Center and cultural programming including the One World Series for the University and Muncie community.

 

Services

Harry Watkins Conference Room

This room is named in honor of outstanding alumnus Harry Watkins.  In 1933, Harry Watkins was the first African American male to graduate from Ball State University.  He traveled extensively around the world.  This conference room houses Watkins’ travel memorabilia, including over 2,000 photos from his travels and a map indicating his various travel expeditions.

 

Malcolm X Library

This library contains more than 1,000 books, newspapers, videotapes and magazines on, for and about people of African-American, Asian-American, Latino/Hispanic and Native American descent.  It also contains information and study aids on topics such as time management and test-taking techniques.   One of the best depositories of African American literature in the region. The library is popular for its quiet study atmosphere.  This area is used as a study room, a classroom, and a meeting place for student organizations.

 

Computer Lab (soon to be named Cesar Chavez Computer Lab)

The computer lab houses 3 computer stations and one printer. If you really need to get a paper done without distractions in a quiet atmosphere, this is the lab to write your paper in!

Academic and Personal Advising

The Center’s staff provides personal, social, and academic advising for BSU students.

 

Cultural Times Newsletter

The purpose of the Cultural Times is to communicate and bring awareness to the programs and services offered by the Center, other University departments, and the community.

 

 

CONTACT INFORMATION & HOURS

Text Box: Director: Dr. Derick Virgil
dvirgil@bsu.edu
Assistant Director: Ms. Melody Fisher 
mtfisher@bsu.edu
Graduate Assistant: Ms. Courtney Sidfrid 
cssidfrid@bsu.edu
Secretary: Mrs. Laura Batio
lsbatio@bsu.edu
 
Summer Office Hours:
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Academic Year Office Hours
Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM -7:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
 
 
 
 
 

Multicultural Center

Ball State University

325 N McKinley Ave

Muncie, IN  47306

Phone: (765) 285-1344

Fax: (765) 285-2300

Office Email mc2@bsu.edu

Office Web Site

www.bsu.edu/web/mc2/