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Office of Multicultural Affairs |
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Programs and OrganizationsAt Susquehanna, there are hundreds of ways for students to get involved on campus--you could join an intramural club sport like volleyball, racquetball, or soccer, or you could join an organization that focuses on your chosen major like the Psychology Club or the Marketing Club. But if you are looking for ways to express your cultural identity or learn more and experience a culture that is different from yours, then you (and your friends) are invited to join one of these exciting multicultural student organizations: Asian Student Coalition (ASC) - A coalition of Asian and non-Asian students, faculty and staff dedicated to education, awareness and support of Asian and Asian American cultures. 
Black Student Union (BSU) - Reflects the social and political views, expands the educational interests and enhances the particular cultural values of its members. BSU works to educate students on the diversity in life and the value thereof. Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA) - GSA is a coalition of students, faculty and staff who work together in a public and political fashion. The members include straight, lesbian, gay, and bisexual members who strive to improve the campus for all sexual minorities. The Brotherhood - an organization for men who interested in developing relationships and building the community of men at SU. Hispanic Organization for Latino Awareness (HOLA) - for those interested in exploring and celebrating the myriad cultures of the peoples of Hispanic and Latino descent. Serenity - a monthly newsmagazine dedicated to women's empowerment, health, and wellness. Diversity Council - the governing body for all diversity/multicultural clubs and organizations. Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian Alliance of Susquehanna Students (BGLASS) - Did you know that there is a confidential support/discussion group for Susquehanna University students who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning? It's called BGLASS.The goal of the group is to create a safe and supportive space for student discussion. Possible topics include: parents and family; fitting in at SU; dating; coming out; politics; movies; resources. BGLASS meets once a week, and all members agree to honor the group's confidentiality. If you are interested in attending this group or have questions about it, contact Andy Dunlap at 4437or e-mail dunlap@susqu.edu. Peer Diversity TrainersWorking in collaboration with the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Peer Diversity Trainers (PDT) are dedicated to promoting diversity and multicultural awareness at Susquehanna University. They bring programs and activities into classrooms, dorms, and other venues to stimulate conversation about diversity issues. R.E.A.L. ConversationsR.E.A.L. Conversations (Relationships, Ethnicity, Activism, Life) is an opportunity for students, staff, and faculty at Susquehanna University to come together in a safe and trusting environment that supports and promotes the discussion of issues regarding diversity and multiculturalism. Through honest dialogue and valuable hands-on activities, we will explore issues that are prevalent in society and that influence our everyday lives. R.E.A.L. Conversations invites students, staff, and faculty to openly and candidly discuss the taboo subjects of race, religion, sex and sexuality, and gender that often only happen behind closed doors on campus. We hope to model that we can disagree and still build a community! R.E.A.L. Conversations provides an experience that is impacting, life-changing and serves to challenge and potentially enhance our experience at SU as well as our outlook on life in new and innovative ways. WHY GET REAL?
DOFOBS Reading CircleOur DOFOBS (Darned Old Fools Over Books) Reading CircleJoin others who, like you, enjoy reading a great book just for fun. The DOFOBS program is available to all students, staff, and faculty who are interested in reading and discussing popular fiction and non-fiction. All you need is a willingness to read a common text and share your opinions with others in a safe and supportive environment. There is no cost to the participant; all books are provided by the Office of Multicultural Affairs. Interested in joining the discussion group? Contact Armenta Hinton at hintona@susqu.edu. Here are the books we are reading this fall: September The Autobiography of Malcolm X The Autobiography of Malcolm X is the story of one of the remarkable lives of the twentieth century. Malcolm X, as presented in this as-told-to autobiography, is a figure of almost mythic proportions; a man who sunk to the greatest depths of depravity and rose to become a man whose life's mission was to lead his people to freedom and strength. It provides a searing depiction of the deeply rooted issues of race and class in America and remains relevant and inspiring today. (author, Alex Haley) October Wuthering Heights Wuthering Heights remains one of literature’s most disturbing explorations into the dark side of romantic passion. Heathcliff and Cathy believe they’re destined to love each other forever, but when cruelty and snobbery separate them, their untamed emotions literally consume them. (author, Emily Bronte) November The Red Tent The Red Tent is the story of Jacob's daughter, Dinah, and Jacob's four wives, who all served as Dinah's mother at some point in time. Leah, Rachel, Zilpah, and Bilhah all bring their own unique gifts and influences to bear on Dinah's life. As Diamant explores the trials and triumphs of ancient women, she brings a foreign yet beautiful world to life as seen through the emotional filter of Dinah's eyes. This lush, evocative tale transcends time and brings new life to the Old Testament, lending a feminine touch to the mighty word of God. (author, Anita Diamant) SU Roots ProjectThe Office of Multicultural Affairs works to help students in their personal, psychosocial, and racial identity development. Often, students of color on predominantly White campuses struggle with the latter. For many of these students, being "of color" is viewed as a weakness or as a barrier to social or academic success. 
The Susquehanna Roots Project, a partnership between academic affairs and student affairs, is designed to help students build positive racial identity through researching their family ancestry. We operate from the belief that students who possess a strong sense of self and who are connected to a familial past are more likely to be academically and socially successful at SU. In turn, these students tend to be more satisfied with their college experiences and are more likely to complete their education at Susquehanna University. Why Research Black Ancestry? How Does SU Roots Project Work? The SU Roots Project is not about finding names and dates only. We hope students will learn the family stories, recipes, medical histories, meet long-lost family members and more. This is the first step on what could be a lifelong journey towards full identity achievement. Participants meet weekly to discuss progress and share learned stories as a way preserve the family legacy. How Does SU Roots Project Help with Academics?
Interested in joining? Dr. Kate Hastings |
