The purpose is two-fold. The Multicultural Center exists to help support minority students on campus and to assist in educating the campus community on issues regarding race and diversity.

What are some of the programs the Center uses to advance its goals?

There are several programs that the Center uses on a consistent basis.

     Brown Bag Discussions: Brown Bag discussions take place once a month and are usually held on a Friday. They take place at the Multicultural Center and last about one hour, from 12:00-1:00. The purpose of the Brown Bag's is to allow for discussion on a topic covering a racial or current events issue. Often an expert on the topic being discussed is brought in to moderate the discussion and provide some expert opinions. These are excellent opportunities for the Ball State community to interact with one another regarding an important issue.

     One World Series: The One World Series consists of a number of events held throughout the year that bring in more widely known individuals who can speak to issues of diversity and who promote racial reconciliation. There are several events held in January and February to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month.

     Multicultural Jazz Series: The Multicultural Jazz Series is a recent addition to our programming. Through this we try to bring in well-known jazz artists to play their music and expose the campus and community to a type of music that is powerful but has waned in popularity in recent years. Music is seen as a strong medium that facilititates bringing people together and it is used as such.

Where is the Multicultural Center located?

     The Multicultural Center is located at 325 N. McKinley in a white house on the west side of the street. It is directly south east of the Student Center.

What is the history of the Multicultural Center?

     The idea for a Multicultural Center began in the 1969 when people recognized that Ball State was not serving minority students successfully. In 1970 the Special Programs House was created and Dr. Robert Foster was chosen as the Director. 
     Over time the name of the office changed, first to the Office of Minority Affairs, and then to the current title. Dr. Foster served as Director from 1970 through 1983. Several directors followed him and the Multicultural Center is currently being led by Dr. Derick Virgil who has been the director since 2001. 

What is the EXCEL program?

     The EXCEL program is a three-day summer orientation program which helps acclimate U.S. born minorities to Ball State. It also provides a venue where minority students can meet and form relationships that help ensure success their success. For more information please look at the EXCEL link on our homepage or click here.