Welcome to the Office of Multicultural Affairs
In October 1989, in response to African-American
students, the Office of Minority Student Affairs was established at
Furman University. Its primary mission is to enhance the quality of life
of minority students, increase minority representation on campus, and
promote an educational environment in which knowledge and acceptance of a
multicultural, multiethnic, and gender world is understood, embraced,
and celebrated. In 1997, the office changed its name to the Office of
Multicultural Affairs and expanded its services to all students of
color.
The Office of Multicultural Affairs sponsors numerous
organizations to help carry its purpose. These organizations are The
Student League for Black Culture (SLBC), Association for Students
Interested in Asia (Asia Club), National Association for the Advancement
of Colored People (NAACP), Furman University International Student
Association (FUISA), Encouraging Respect of Sexualities (EROS), the
Furman University Gospel Ensemble (FUGE), Hispanic Organization of
Learning and Awareness (HOLA), and the Minority Association of
Pre-Medical Students (MAPS). More information on these students’
organizations is available on this website.
Diversity promotion
Furman's Office of Multicultural Affairs sponsors several programs that encourage greater understanding of different cultures. They include the following:
- Building community
Through Unity is a one-day workshop utilizing the methodology of the National Coalition Building Institute. Participants become aware of misinformation about particular groups and learn to break down barriers between groups. (Furman NCBI)
- Heritage Month Celebrations
Currently include the MLK Celebration (January), Black Awareness (February), International Month (April), Asian History (May) and Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 through October 15).