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The Multicultural Meet and Greet is an orientation that encourages a sense of belonging for Â鶹´«Ã½s of color at WMU and in the greater Kalamazoo community. The event intends to increase retention and graduation rates for WMU Â鶹´«Ã½s 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 Â鶹´«Ã½s who are traditionally marginalized.
• Communicate to Â鶹´«Ã½s 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 Â鶹´«Ã½s of color.
• Discuss issues important to Â鶹´«Ã½s 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.

To RSVP, request a table, or sign up for volunteering, please visit the event website.

Program Elements

Faculty Panel: Faculty of color from participating colleges provide tips for Â鶹´«Ã½s to be successful at the institution. The panel also provides a question and answer period for Â鶹´«Ã½s and an opportunity for faculty of color to mingle with one another and Â鶹´«Ã½s.

Community Resource Room: Campus and community partners host tables where they provide resources to Â鶹´«Ã½ 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 Â鶹´«Ã½s of color in this environment. Most activities focus on cultural acclimation and belonging.

DJ/Dancing: A DJ plays live music during the event where Â鶹´«Ã½s can dance and receive instructed dance lessons.

Culturally Inclusive Food: Dishes that represent the domestic Â鶹´«Ã½ of color communities are served after the faculty panel.

Prizes: Campus and community partners provide prizes for Â鶹´«Ã½s who participate in meet and greet activities during the program.