STUDENT RSVPRSO REGISTRATIONTABLE REQUEST
About the multicultural meet and greet
September 19, 2022 |
DATE OF EVENT |
The multicultural Meet and Greet is an orientation that encourages a sense
of belonging for students of color at WMU and in the greater Kalamazoo
community. The event intends to increase retention and graduation rates
for WMU students of color through coordinated efforts and college and
community collaboration.
The purposes of the event are to:
- Foster a sense of belonging and community among students who are traditionally marginalized
- Communicate to students of color that they are welcomed, valued and supported on campus and in the Kalamazoo community
- Develop personal connections and connect to resources to enhance the college experience for students of color
- Discuss issues important to students of color
- Create knowledge and understanding related to identity and systemic marginalization and to partner with others to
bring proactive change that is equitable for all
Program elements
BRONCOS COME IN ALL COLORS |
"[I have] value as a multicultural individual and [I have] impact on my community." |
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Faculty Panel: Faculty of color from participating colleges provide tips for students to be successful at the institution.
The panel also provides a question and answer period for students and an opportunity for faculty of color to mingle with
one another and students.
Community Resource Room: Campus and community partners host tables where they provide resources to students
and welcome them to the Kalamazoo community.
Student Resource Rooms: Registered Student Organizations provide "activities with purpose" in break-out rooms where
they creatively discuss issues that matter to students of color in this environment. Most activities focus on cultural acclimation and belonging.
DJ/Dancing: A DJ plays live music during the event where students can dance and receive instructed dance lessons.
Culturally Inclusive Food: Dishes that represent the domestic student of color communities are served after the faculty panel.
Prizes: Community partners provide prizes for students who participate in meet & greet activities during the program.
View our Flickr
EVENT INFORMATION 2022

- Develop connections
- Drive Change
- Meet RSOs
- Learn from faculty
- Explore multicultural cuisine
- Swag giveaways!
Location: Second floor, Bernhard Center
Date & Time: Monday, September 19, 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Event INFORMATION 2021
Financial Partners | Community Sponsors | Faculty 2021 |
BACC | Airway Fun Center | Staci Perryman-Clark (CAS, Institute of Anthropological Studies) |
College of Arts and Sciences | Kalamagonia | |
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences | Revel and Roll West | Balmatee "BB" Bidassie (CEAS, Engineering Design, Manufacturing, and Management System) |
College of Fine Arts | ||
Division of Student Affairs | ||
Graduate College | Angela Pe'rez-Villa (CAS, History) | |
Haworth College of Business | ||
Nature Way | Maria Rocha-Dean (CHHS, Bronson School of Nursing) | |
School of Communications | ||
Women's Studies |
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Event summary: 87% of attendees believed the multicultural meet and greet was beneficial to their belonging.