About Us
Hours of Operation
SMC Office and Student Work Area:
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday
206 Kent Student Center
SMC Lounge:
Open to all 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday
206 Kent Student Center
After 5 p.m. and weekends the space is reservable through the Event Management System
Welcome
Welcome to Student Multicultural Center (SMC)! The SMC provides advocacy, mentoring, guidance, education, and other support necessary for educational retention and degree completion. Additionally, we provide direct support services for students, and training for faculty and staff.
Mission
The mission of the Student Multicultural Center is to cultivate a sense of belonging and cultural affirmation for our students. We value growth of the individual student and strive to connect communities that encourage and support an appreciation for difference. To support students, we collaborate with on-and off-campus stakeholders which allows us to operate as a community, a family, and a village.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
What is the Student Multicultural Center?
The Student Multicultural Center (SMC) is a center that consist of full-time staff dedicated to students. The staff are responsible for developing programs and providing services in order to support students’ success. Additionally, many people also know the SMC to be a space equipped with offices, student study areas, and a lounge open to all to come in, hang out and engage with others.
Where are is the SMC located and what are the center hours?
The SMC is located on the Kent Campus of Kent State University on the 2nd Floor of the Kent Student Center, Suite 206. The office is open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and by appointment.
Why should I engage with the SMC?
We are a space that can support, affirm and empower you. Engaging in the SMC and programs sponsored by the SMC can provide you opportunities to deepen your self-awareness while building community through learning about others. This center works to prepare students to interact with people with similar and different backgrounds and experiences.
Do I need to be a student of color to interact with and visit the SMC?
No. While the SMC works with underrepresented populations, it is designed to serve all students regardless of skin color, race, sexual orientation, religion, gender, ability, or cultural heritage.
What kind of programs does the SMC host?
The SMC sponsors events that engage students in opportunities to share their own experiences and learn about others' experiences. We believe in supporting our students during their entire journey of college. This starts being there when they enter into college, walking with them throughout their journey until, and celebrating them as they walk across the stage at graduation. We host a cultural orientation program, diversity training and education workshops, guest speakers, student initiatives for male and female identifying students of color and a cultural pre-commencement ceremony for undergraduate and graduate students called Karamu Ya Wahitimu/Celebracion de Los Graduados.
What clubs and organizations are affiliated with the SMC?
The SMC directly oversees the Kupita/Transiciones Mentorship Program, the Male Empowerment Network (MEN) and Sister Circle. In addition to these student groups the SMC invites opportunities to work with all student organization; either within the student organization or co-sponsoring a program for the larger campus community.
Multicultural, that’s for international students, right?
Actually, the programs and services offered by the SMC are mostly designed to focus on the experiences of domestic students but we do work with our campus partners to support our international students. KSU has two offices dedicated to serving the unique needs of our international students. International Student Affairs Office is located on the 2nd floor of the Kent Student Center.
And the International Students and Scholars Services is located in Van Campen hall.
What scholarships does the SMC offer to students of color?
The SMC does not house any scholarships specifically, but we do work directly with several key areas on campus that assist with aid for students including the scholarship office and financial aid.