As part of a regular feature, one department in Student Affairs will be in the spotlight each month.  This month we spotlight Multicultural Programs and Services.

MPAS University Park Campus

Front: Eva M. Vergara (Senior Secretary), Barbara Douglas (Office Manager), Raquel Wright (Assistant Director), Nadia Williams (Graduate Assistant)
Back: Jeffrey McNamee (Associate Director), Jennifer Constantine (Graduate Assistant), Robert Coatie (Senior Director)

MPAS Biscayne Bay Campus

Front: Patricia Desir (Office Assistant), Sonya Robinson (Senior Secretary)
Back: Janice Givens (Associate Director), Michelle Garel (Graduate Assistant) Dorret Sawyers (Director), Armante Labady, (Graduate Assistant, graduated Fall 2008) Esperance Ibuka, Graduate Assistant (Picture not shown)

MISSION STATEMENT:

The mission of the Office of Multicultural Programs and Services is to enhance the educational          opportunities of college students by providing services that enrich and improve their lives academically, culturally, financially and socially.

This will be accomplished by creating a nurturing and supportive environment, providing leadership, fostering the development of community outreach, and promoting academic excellence through supplemental instruction, advisement, and mentoring.

The Office is committed to encouraging a cross-cultural understanding and enabling students and staff to meet the complex demands of the 21st Century and the mission of the University.

VISION STATEMENT:

Our vision is to be the pre-eminent leader in service and programs fostering a dynamic University community that empowers and produces successful citizens for the 21st Century.

MPAS SIGNATURE EVENTS:

• 1 - MLK Celebration
  
  Each year MPAS celebrates the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through various programming events including:
• MLK Commemorative Breakfast
• MLK Youth Forum/Peace Walk
• MLK Commemorative Dinner
• MLK Day of Service
• MLK Parade
• MLK Film & Discussion
  
  
• 2 - Scholarship Awarding Global Excellence (SAGE) Fundraising Reception
  
  This program is sponsored by Multicultural Programs and Services in collaboration with International Student and Scholar Services, Biscayne Bay Campus to award scholarships to international and transfer students to assist them with the cost of tuition and other educational expenses. 

• 3 - MPAS Excellence Awards
  
  This program is held to recognize the academic achievements of our MPAS and Golden Drum scholarship students, as well as students who utilize the services of the office.

WORKSHOPS:

Students Taking Advantage of Resources Successfully (S.T.A.R.S) - Workshops that support the academic, social and financial needs of our students.
Valuing Each Other (V.E.O) – Workshops and activities that provide awareness and education on topics related to diversity and culture.

ACADEMIC ENHANCEMENT SERVICES:

The Assistance for Academic Achievement (AAA) Tutorial Program
Offers free tutoring in some of the gateway courses such as College Algebra, Trigonometry, Physics and Biology, as well as in some upper division courses.  Tutoring is open to all FIU students on both campuses.

LGBT INITIATIVE:
Our LGBT initiative is aimed at providing programs and services that address the needs of LGBT students by bringing awareness and education to the FIU community on LGBT issues and concerns.

SCHOLARSHIPS:

Golden Drum – awarded to high school seniors in Dade and Broward counties.
M.P.A.S – awarded to high school seniors in Dade and Broward counties.
S.A.G.E - awarded to international and transfer students attending FIU.
M.L.K. Essay – awarded to high school seniors in Dade and Broward counties.

Offices located at University Park, GC 216, (305) 348-2436 and Biscayne Bay Campus, WUC 253, (305) 919-5817.  For more information, please visit us at http://www.fiu.edu/~mpas