PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATION

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) reflects Saint Michael’s commitment to a campus and a world that values every human being, and supports and celebrates their uniqueness, experiences, and contributions. The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs contributes to the personal and intellectual development of all students.   We welcome and challenge  all students to be self-reflective and to actively pursue the creation of an inclusive community on campus centered around mutual respect and acceptance.   

MSA realizes that exploring issues of diversity and multiculturalism cannot be devoid of a historical framework or the historicity of race, class  and ethnicities in a country that is arguably the most socially, racially and ethnically diverse in the world. We also recognize that achieving diversity on campus requires more than celebrating differences or similarities. Thus, we seek to engage students, faculty and staff  intellectually  and tangibly to explore the diversity and multiculturalism within as well as without. 

In an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world, the ability to understand the people and cultures one encounters, as well as oneself, in ways that defy and transcend superficial barriers of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and class that often impede human connection and relationship, are essential and indispensable components of personal and intellectual development.  In this vein, the commitment of the MSA office to multiculturalism and diversity reflects a deep commitment to your success as an individual both on campus and in the world.   

We have an open door policy. Students are encouraged to spend time in our lounge area and peruse our various socio-cultural collections; to discuss issues with peers; to meet with friends; to volunteer for our campus and community activities or to have a confidential discussion with the director.