Multicultural Meet and Greet 2024
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.
Date: Monday, Sept. 16, 2024
Time: 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: WMU Student Center
Website: www.wmich.edu/multicultural/meet-greet
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
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 student 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: Campus and community partners provide prizes for students who participate in meet and greet activities during the program.