Get connected with MSS!
The Multicultural Student Services team is deeply committed to supporting the needs
of the many UAA student communities. MSS includes a dedicated space and programs that
foster culturally diverse community engagement. MSS celebrates the cultural assets
of students with marginalized identities and works to transform societal norms to
build a campus community where all students can thrive as their full authentic selves.
JEDI Alliance (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion)
The JEDI Alliance is a cohort of student advocates and leaders at UAA Multicultural
Student Services who are committed to the advancement of social justice, equity, diversity,
and inclusion (JEDI) at UAA. They are dedicated to promoting belonging, celebrating
diverse identities, building meaningful relationships, and educating the campus community
about JEDI. JEDI Alliance members meet on a biweekly basis, serve on a committee*,
develop and facilitate programming, collaborate with staff and student groups, and
are eligible for scholarship awards for their commitment. *Committees include Advocacy and Awareness, JEDI Adventures, and PR and Outreach.
Apply to become a part of the JEDI Alliance at tinyurl.com/jediallianceapplication!
Rainbow Initiatives
Rainbow Initiatives are UAA’s dedication of time, space and energy to our Queer/Trans/LGBTQIA2S+
community. Housed at our beautiful Pride Center in the Student union, Rainbow Initiatives
is the umbrella program that provides a space, events and programming to support the
belonging, engagement and holistic wellbeing of our community members. We center,
uplift and advocate for our queer/trans community at UAA so we can live our most authentic,
successful and full lives here.
Global Seawolves
The Multicultural Center is a social hub for all students on campus, but we specifically
highlight and celebrate our community members who are here studying from abroad. Each
year there are approximately 30-50 international students with an average of 25 countries
represented.
All new international students are guided through their arrival and orientation experience.
MSS and our partners facilitate opportunities to celebrate our global communities
here in Anchorage. Students are invited to attend Global Seawolves social events and
programs throughout the academic year.
BIPOC Initiatives
Many of our programs through the Pride Center and the Multicultural Center are here
to create opportunities for making new connections. We know that building a community
and network of friends is critical to the college student experience. UAA has many
diverse communities and non-traditional students. There is something in MSS for everyone
regardless of your age, degree program and intersectional social identities. Take
a leap and meet some new people outside of your classrooms. Join us for “Connect”
events and various socials such as Global Seawolves Connect, BIPOC Connect and Rainbow
Connect. Let us know how you want to further develop your intersectional communities
here on campus.
Multifaith and Low Stimulation Spaces
The University of Alaska Anchorage is a public institution with students who practice
many different faiths in many diverse ways. MSS’s mission includes supporting students with marginalized religions by promoting
inclusion through education, naming observances, and creating safe spaces throughout
campus.
These spaces and affiliated programs have been championed by student leadership with
administrative support by the UAA Marginalized Religions workgroup (MRW). MRW is
composed of students, staff, and faculty who advocate for multifaith spaces on campus.The
first multifaith space on the Anchorage campus is located inside of MSS in Rasmuson
Hall 106B and was supported by our student body government, USUAA. Student leaders
have lovingly developed the multifaith prayer and meditation initiatives.
The Pride Center houses a “low stimulation” environment to provide additional quiet,
non-stimulating locations for students who may need to take a break. These spaces
are non-reservable and available for use when campus is open. This program aims to
offer quiet spaces for students to engage in personal religious practice and has been
developed intentionally with the inclusion of marginalized religions in mind. All
are welcome to use this space for individual quiet contemplation, prayer, meditation,
bereavement and healing.
Social Justice Education and Development
Multicultural Student Services regularly facilitates opportunities for social justice
education, civic engagement and dialogue. The JEDI Alliance is rooted in the student-driven
and peer-to-peer educational opportunities. We host Conversation Cafes, Listening
Sessions and Intergroup Dialogue experiences. We welcome you to consider bringing
forth a social issue or topic to engage in dialogue. Many of our programs highlight
student and faculty contributions here on campus. We love to partner with various
departments and student organizations to create platforms for cross-dialogue. This
social justice work is a co-curricular opportunity to further your professional development
while you study here.
Affinity Events
MSS wants you to be in community with peers, staff and faculty here on campus. We
seek to create opportunities where you can share your stories in a safe space. Many
of our programs and events are considered affinity spaces, including but not limited
to the “Being” Series. The purpose of the “Being” Series is to create affinity spaces for students, staff
and faculty with marginalized identities. “Being” events aim to create a supportive
learning environment to lean into the commonalities, to further unpack identity, and
build a sense of community. These programs and additional affinity events across campus
help to build a connection in our commonalities, discuss the ways we navigate having
similar and different racialized experiences and share and connect ways of ‘being’ here on campus.
Academic, Engagement, and Advocacy Scholarships
The Multicultural Center and Pride Center proudly facilitate various academic, leadership,
art justice, and advocacy scholarships. There are many different ways to engage with
our department through peer leadership and service contributions. This initiative
seeks to award student facilitators and leaders for the engagement and work at MSS
and beyond.
Students of Excellence* is a cohort-based leadership program for students beginning
in their junior year of college. SoE seeks to honor the contributions of our dedicated
student leaders through meaningful reflection and leadership development. SoE offers
an opportunity for students to prepare for the transition out of college through engaging
opportunities that develop community-based leadership, critical consciousness, and
civic engagement. Each spring semester, juniors are invited to apply to this prestigious
scholarship and leadership cohort.
Cultural and Identity-based Student Organizations Support
MSS and The Pride Center enthusiastically support cultural and identity-based Student Organizations. Many student organizations seek out our centers for holding meetings, hosting events
and seeking adviser support. If you want your student organization to collaborate
with MSS- stop by our centers and chat with staff about ways you want to be supported.
Our current affiliations with Student Org Services (SOS) include:
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- International Student Organization (ISO)
- Muslim Student Association (MSA)
- Kabayan Community (Filipino Org.)
- People of Oceania Association (POA)
- The Family (LGBTQIA2S+ Student Org)
- The Feminist Intersectional Rights Movement (The FIRM)
- ACLU of Alaska Action Network (Student org affiliated with the ACLU)
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