About Us

The price of the democratic way of life is a growing appreciation of people’s differences, not merely as tolerable, but as the essence of a rich and rewarding human experience. — Jerome Nathanson

 

The Multicultural Center

   The Multicultural Center formerly known as the ALANA Center was renamed in 2008 and is now located in the Memorial Union. It was founded in 1999 by University of Maine alumni Shontay Delalue, Vesnier Lugo, and Wesley Petteway. The purpose of this center is to provide a physical space for students, faculty, and staff to use for public/educational functions, meetings, and social gatherings. Most importantly this Center is a place where Multiculturalism is front and center. Renamed in 2008 as The Multicultural Center is a space where everyone can feel welcomed and appreciated and through a sense of community, encourage and educate others about the significance and contributions of everyone, regardless of heritage. Come and visit us!

Mission Statement

The Office of Multicultural Programs provides academic and social support services to the University of Maine’s students of color population. In fulfillment of the university’s mission to develop and sustain a multicultural and pluralistic educational community, the Office of Multicultural Programs (OMP) works in collaboration with other university constituencies to increase the racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity of the student body. As a part of the Division of Student Affairs, the OMP is committed to planning, developing, and implementing programs and services on cultural themes for all students as an integral component of the educational process. Diverse educators who provide multicultural programs that enhance learning are necessary y and welcomed in the University of Maine community as our society and local communities become increasingly diverse and global.

Who we serve?

Our office provides services to all students of the University of Maine. We are a resource for faculty and staff of the university as well as for the wider communities in our area. We provide special emphasis in our services on racial, ethnic and cultural themes and represent a growing diverse campus community.

Get Involved

“Be the change you wish to see reflected in the world”. — Mahatma Gandhi

Going to classes, using the library, engaging with the career center provide important knowledge for all students. Expanding that education into skills development for the professional world of work and services necessitates out of the classroom engagement. Through involvement in the programs and services of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs students will achieve be able to bring together knowledge, practice, personal exploration and discovery.

Benefits to getting involved

• Connect with a multicultural network of staff and students at the University of Maine
• Join others thinking critically about social issues. Stand up for social justice and people you care about.
• Gain organizational and leadership skills. Build skills to live and work in a global world. Learn to handle conflict. Take action for change.
• Make a difference by contributing to community change projects.

Become a diversity ally   

An Ally is “a person who is a member of the dominant or majority group who works to end oppression in his or her personal and professional life through support of, and as an advocate for the oppressed population.” (Evans & Wall, 1991). On issues of race and ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disabilities, and gender allies have proven to be great assets in effectively promoting positive change in the dominant culture.

 

Be connected!

Facebook, Twitter, multicultural.programs@umit.maine.edu