Multicultural Student A airs

MULTICULTURAL STUDENT AFFAIRS

By Mafe Balthazar

On a campus that is only approximately 25% diverse in terms of historically marginalized identities, students at the University of South Carolina desire an equal opportunity for success and a positive college experience. The O ce of Multicultural Student A airs (OMSA) aims to ”support and advocate for historically marginalized identities” and make the community a welcoming environment through “education and opportunities for diversity and social justice for everyone on campus,” said Shay Malone, director of the O ce of Multicultural Student A airs.

OMSA’s programming and initiatives can be brie y summarized as four main areas: student support, cultural engagement, social justice education and resources for LGBTQ+ students at USC.

For students, being part of historically marginalized groups “comes with its own set of doubts and problems,” fourth-year math student Nainaa Oberoi. Programs within the o ce “make it clear to them that no matter who they are, they’re going to succeed,” she said.

Oberoi serves as a mentor in OMSA’s Multicultural Assistance Peer Program, one of the longest running mentorship programs on campus, which pairs rstyear students from historically marginalized populations with older, experienced students. Mentors are usually one of their mentees’ rst friends and help them navigate their rst year of college. MAPP holds meetings and events to establish relationships between mentors and their mentees.

“It really is a family, you know, they make it a point to make the students feel like they’re at home,” Oberoi said. Other support programs for di erent populations include a nity groups, which are designated safe spaces for groups of similarly identi ed people; Black male-focused initiatives like Brother to Brother and Cuts and Conversations, an opportunity to talk with other Black men while receiving a free haircut; and Queer Connections, a support group for rst-year LGBTQ+ students.

Hip-Hop Wednesday, a monthly event held on Greene Street, allows student organizations to promote their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and just network and have fun while a DJ plays hiphop beats in the background. Starting in 2021, a Luna Latina Monday, a similar event to HipHop Wednesday, will take place in partnership with Multicultural Greek organizations.

Identity 365, another program within the o ce, celebrates distinct student identities year-round through educational and immersive experiences. One prominent Identity365 event is PrideChella, an April event celebrating Pride with speakers, live music, performances from drag queens, and opportunities to connect with LGBTQ+ vendors.

Malone says the o ce aims to create “safe spaces, not hiding places.” One of those safe spaces is the Intersection Multicultural Student Lounge, located in the lower level of Russell House, which serves as a physical space for conversations and connection within and between a nity groups. Students can hold meetings, work on group projects, or just hang out in the multipurpose space.

In addition to providing support and celebrations of di erent identities, OMSA also strives to educate the broader Carolina community on

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY STEVEN TAPIA-MACIAS / DEPARTMENT OF STUDENT LIFE

@omsaatuofs @omsaatuofsc @omsaatuofsc

important social justice issues. One of the ways the o ce accomplishes this goal is by empowering students to educate each other through the OMSA Peer Educators program. Peer educators host workshops for students, lead small discussion groups on relevant topics, and generally support OMSA’s work across campus.

OMSA provides more than 30 educational programs on subjects such as social justice and diversity, including a weekend-long Carolina Diversity Retreat and ongoing Diversity Dialogues, to help students be advocates and activists for topics they are passionate about, from environmental social justice to the LGBTQ+ community.

Through OMSA’s many programs, students learn to interact with those of di erent identities, make a di erence in the community and become accomplished global citizens upon graduation from USC. Learn more about the many opportunities to get involved and help by visiting OMSA’s website at sc.edu/multicultural.

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