Transitioning Multicultural and First Generation Students from High School to College

What is on the mind of a student of color? – Common concerns of incoming students of color Am I going to fit in? What group will I fit in with? Will my classes be hard? Will I meet new people? How do I get involved Who do I talk to for help? Financial aid, support, etc. Where do I get a haircut? What’s the city like around campus? Is it safe? Transportation? What if I don’t have a car? Places of worship Will I be accepted by my roommate because of my race?

Supporting MC students on campus through programs, events, employment Supporting students of color is a part of everyone's responsibility and NOT just the diversity/multicultural office The campus must come together to show support for the students Some key allies at Augustana College include – Some key partnerships have been with Admissions, Public Safety, Residence Life, and Student Activities

Supporting MC students on campus – Admissions They are actively looking for solutions not problems – Discover Augustana – Multicultural group visits with specific presenters – Admissions Ambassadors » Foreign language skills » Intercultural skills – Cultural Diversity Award

Supporting MC students on campus – The Office of Multicultural Services Multicultural Orientation – Athletic MCO Multicultural Parent Orientations Dinners – President Bahls and BSU – MC Group Leaders – Ethnic Group Leaders – Multicultural adviser dinners » Group dinners & one on ones with adviser

Cultural Competance Improve multicultural competency amongst all students MLK Event Our Lady of Guadalupe OSA – MPB – Culture Houses – Honest Conversations

Highlights of the 2012 – 2013 academic year Our college was only 5% multicultural for many years but the leaders of our college saw the opportunity and supported increasing the diversity of the college Over the past few years 22% our incoming classes are students of color Overall 16% of our students identify themselves as students of color The was the first year of SGA having a Black President, who also ran un-opposed for the year We had a Black Homecoming King and Queen this year Saw a major increase of students of color joining Greek organizations.

Highlights of the 2012 – 2013 academic year Latino and Black students are beginning to run for executive offices in other groups on campus. Many of our students of color are feeling confident and comfortable here which is leading them to new opportunities. Latinos Unidos increased their average attendance at meetings from 10 people in 2010 and are at 35 consistent members now. The Multicultural Orientation had over 70 participants up from 45 in 2011 and doubled the 35 attendees in The Tribute to Our Lady of Guadalupe had over 800 people attend also up from 500 in The MLK tribute has continued to bring in about 1000 guests to Centennial Hall for the past few years.

Highlights of the 2012 – 2013 academic year Within the Office of Multicultural Services we have added OMS SOUL (Sisterhood of Unique Ladies) and BOUG (Brotherhood of Unique Gentleman) to support our Black male and females on campus and to help create a pool of students that may want to get involved with LOVE and/or Phoenix. We are informing our student workers of the importance of healthy living through weekly s Weekly diversity events for the campus Meeting with advisers to MC groups on a regular basis to encourage more interaction between the groups and their advisers. Augustana College and having it named College of the Year by the National Hispanic Institute.

Questions?

Contact information Eric Rowell – Greg Aguilar –