Mission
The UA Little Rock Multicultural Center aims to support all students by providing culturally-responsive programming and education that promotes student success, personal growth, and a culture of respect and inclusion. We strive to fulfill our mission by providing programs and resources for the UA Little Rock community.
Explore our programs and events, or learn more about the Student Affairs Diversity Initiatives (SADI), including:
- Mentoring Programs
- African American Male Initiatives
- African Female Initiatives
- Hispanic/Latino Initiatives
These Initiatives are designed to empower, support, and assist African American students, Hispanic/Latinx students, and students of color in achieving their goal of earning a college degree.
Summary Narrative
Develop a responsive student experience and engagement program
The MC engages in campus experiences to engage currently enrolled students and students seeking admissions to the University
Enhance the recruitment, service, and engagement of and for UA Little Rock’s diverse student population
- New Student Orientation
- AARO
- PEAW Classes
- Summer Bridge
Prioritize compensation, professional development, and work environment necessary to recruit and retain a diverse student affairs staff that is prepared to support a diverse student population.
- The MC is active in participating in the National Association for Student Personnel Administrators conferences
- The MC is also a resource to the National Pan-Hellenic Council, a coordinating body of nine member historically African-American Greek letter organizations
At A Glance
- The Multicultural Center is responsible for supporting underrepresented student initiatives and supports safe spaces through the development of programs that target men and women of color.
- Initiatives such as the Student Affairs Diversity Initiatives (SADI) allow for additional opportunities for students to connect with other students, engage with mentors, and grow as confident scholars and leaders.
- During the 2022-2023 academic year, the Multicultural Center enhanced its programming offerings due to support from full-time staff and funding from the Donaghey Foundation.
- The increased demand for student support has supported physical space for student needs. In addition to ongoing programming, students continue to enjoy spaces such as:
- Meditation | Prayer Room
- Lactation Room
- Meeting Spaces
- Quiet Rooms
- The Student Affairs Diversity Initiatives Mentoring Program ended the year with 101 mentees, 15 peer mentors, and ten professional mentors. Weekly programming increased as the demand for student engagement within the MC attracted attention for students to become more engaged and allowed them to take advantage of opportunities outside of the classroom.
- Events such as Student Affairs Diversity Initiatives, African American Male and Female Initiatives, Hispanic and culturally targeted initiatives, and monthly events were at an all-time high. Additional opportunities enhanced the MC’s atmosphere leading to the retention of current students that participated in the MC and those that were new to learning the experience. Tutoring services, graduation celebrations, world fest, and end-of-the-year celebrations were enhanced for students’ participation. The student-led positions contributed to programming and the development of the Multicultural Center.
Assessment 1
Goal
Increase the racial and gender diversity of SADI participants, focusing on Hispanic/Latinx students and men of color.
Type of assessment (learning outcome or operational)
Operational Assessment
Activity or experience being assessed
Student Affairs Diversity Initiative Programs
Assessment artifact
Focus Groups
Time period assessment was done
June 2022-June 2023
Results
- Which programs did you attend this year?
- First Friday, AAMI Programs, SADI Mentoring
- Which event do you like the most?
- First Friday (free food and games)
- Which event did you like the least?
- Pop-in Workshop of some speakers
- How can the Multicultural Center provide better services to you?
- Study space, meeting rooms, storage for student organizations
Nearly 150 students were asked questions regarding these concerns and how we could improve our programs.
- 70 students responded with similar responses as listed above
- Students who were not associated with SADI responded as well
- Nearly 30 respondents
Continuous improvement process
Explore adding study space, meeting rooms, storage for student organizations
Assessment 2
Goal
Increase awareness and use of the Multicultural Center’s space and services by the campus community.
Type of assessment (learning outcome or operational)
Opperational Assessment
Activity or experience being assessed
Efforts to promote and showcase the Multicultural Center
Assessment artifact
Focus groups
Time period assessment was done
April 2023
Results
How did you learn about the Multicultural Center?
- I learned about the MC from my PEAW class
- Resource fair
- New Student Orientation
What is the most effective way to promote the center to students who are not aware of it?
- Facebook, Instagram, social media
- Flyers on campus
Continuous improvement process
Explore avenues to engage for visibility to students. This will allow students to be able to be aware of the programs and the location of the center.
Assessment 3
Goal
Integrate CWDSA students into SADI and other MC initiatives
Type of assessment (learning outcome or operational)
Operational and Learning Assessment – Interpersonal development
Activity or experience being assessed
SADI events in which CWDSA students participated
Assessment artifact
Focus Group
Time period assessment was done
April 2023
Results
Which SADI events did you attend?
- First Friday
- Hispanic Heritage Month
- AAMI Man Cave
What did you learn from it?
- I received a mentor at the First Friday event
- I learned about the spaces
Are you involved in SADI? If not, would you like to register to become part of one of the programs?
- Yes, I was able to learn more about why it is important to have a mentor
- I want to learn more about the Hispanic initiatives
What additional programs would you like to see the Multicultural Center sponsor?
- I want to see more ethnicities and diversity
- Can we have celebrity speakers?
- What other ethnicities can utilize the space?
Continuous improvement process
- The CWDSA program is projected to conclude in FY24. If needed, we will continue to engage CWDSA in SADI programs as needed.
- By discussing these concerns, we learned that students were interested in learning and being a part of SADI. Most students are engaged with the SADI program and looking to enhance programs that are established.
- Students will continue to advocate for the Multicultural Center as an awareness campaign for students who are least engaged.