Office for Multicultural Affairs
The Office of Multicultural Affairs provides essential support and transformative educational experiences to cultivate a global perspective and foster an appreciation for diversity within the 海角社区 community.
Mission Statement
The Office of Multicultural Affairs is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable campus environment. We are committed to engaging, developing and empowering all students, faculty and staff by promoting mutual respect and facilitating intercultural dialogue. Through comprehensive educational, cultural and social programs, we aim to cultivate global citizens prepared to thrive in diverse environments, support the retention and graduation of underrepresented students, and uphold the university’s mission of honoring the dignity and uniqueness of each individual.
This mission statement aligns with VCSU’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect, intercultural dialogue and the holistic development of the university community.
The services and programs this office provides are integral to creating a campus atmosphere that values diversity, promotes equity and supports the holistic development of all students. Learn more about the educational workshops and trainings below.
Resources available include:
- Safe Zone Ally
- Navigating Identities
- Cultural Diversity Tuition Waiver Application
- Cultural Heritage Months celebrations
- Social Justice Council
- Resource Pantry (McFarland 132)
- Office for Multicultural Affairs (McFarland 131)
VCSU Land Acknowledgement
We hereby acknowledge that the VCSU campus sits on traditional and ancestral lands of the Red Lake and Pembina bands of Ojibwe, and Sisseton and Wahpeton bands of Santee Dakota peoples. This land is deeply connected to the many indigenous people who have held and continue to hold it sacred. We pledge to work toward a strong and lasting relationship with Ojibwe and Dakota tribes as well as other indigenous peoples of our region to hold this land and community in celebration of its rich cultural history.
Educational Workshops and Trainings
The Office for Multicultural Affairs offers educational opportunities and workshops for the campus community. These workshops and opportunities are designed to engage in cultural and multicultural competency development and skills. For more information, please contact the multicultural affairs office.
Understanding Ourselves and Others
In this workshop, participants will increase self-awareness and recognize the diverse experiences of others.
Outcome: Participants will develop foundational understanding of their “self” and societal structures.
What are Oppression and Equity?
In this workshop, participants will build a comprehensive understanding of historical and systemic inequities and how they affect different communities.
Outcome: Participants will better understand systemic factors and develop empathy for diverse experiences.
Equity in Action: Tools for Change
In this workshop, participants will receive practical tools for addressing equity, inclusivity, and creating a culture of belonging in everyday interactions.
Outcome: Participants will leave with actionable skills to promote equity, inclusion and belonging in their immediate environments.
Becoming Agents of Change
In this workshop, participants will be empowered to take leadership roles in fostering equity, inclusion and belonging within their communities.
Outcome: Participants will emerge as change agents, equipped to lead equity, inclusion, belonging efforts on campus and as global citizens effectively advocate for justice in their communities.
Meet our staff
Retention/Diversity & Inc, Student Affairs
- McFarland Hall, 134
Jocelyn Santana is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in higher education, having served at both two-year and four-year institutions. Her expertise extends beyond academia, as she has collaborated with school districts, police departments, and municipalities to foster cultural competence and advance practices that promote access, inclusion and belonging. A proud first-generation college graduate, Jocelyn holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education and is currently pursuing her doctoral degree. She is a national restorative justice practitioner. Passionate about exploration and connection, she enjoys traveling, immersing herself in diverse communities and building meaningful relationships.