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OFFICE OF MULTICULTURAL STUDENT AFFAIRS

Diversity on Campus

The University of Miami is a vibrant community. We have students, faculty and staff from around the world who make campus a diverse and dynamic environment. One of our core values as an institution is to embrace and celebrate the diversity that makes us such a special place. Creating a culture of belonging is an important aspect of how we demonstrate our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Through services and programs, the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs allows for authentic sharing of perspectives and ideas that advance intellectual growth and personal development.

The spring semester is filled with opportunities for exploration and engagement and we began by celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Students were able to participate in Social Justice Week and attend a two-day symposium that centered around the experiences of historically underrepresented populations. Each of the events allowed students to engage in dialogue on a variety of topics including sports, social justice advocacy, identity exploration, creative problem solving, and civic engagement within diverse communities. We were honored to have Jonathan Vilma, University of Miami Trustee, ESPN college football analyst, former UM student athlete, NFL player and Super Bowl champion, as well as founder of the Jonathan Vilma Foundation, share his personal and professional experiences on and off the field. 

February is the national celebration of Black History Month, and students will have an opportunity to attend programs that highlight the contributions of those from the African Diaspora.

The remainder of the semester will include several other cultural events including International Week, Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Lunar New Year, Women’s History Month and much more! A plethora of opportunities exist for students to share their own culture and traditions and to expand their worldview.

 

Important Dates

 

FROM DR. WHITELY'S DESK

VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS

SportsFest and Black Awareness Month

For an avid sports fan like myself, the start of February is an exciting time. After the City of Miami hosts Super Bowl LIV, we will host SportsFest for all students February 6-8. SportsFest is a 34-year-old tradition that connects students across the entire campus while also developing team-building skills that are essential for their future. We group our students by their on-campus living area as well as a group for our commuters to compete in sporting events that are both highly active, such as flag football or soccer, and more passive events, like cornhole or Jenga. No matter what event our students participate in, they are able to focus on their well-being and connecting with fellow students.

February also marks an important learning experience as we celebrate, reflect, and raise awareness for Black Awareness Month. Our students will host a variety of service events within the community that are both internal to UM and external. One such event featuring Angela Rye, a CNN Political Commentator, will specifically allow students to engage around civic participation while supporting their critical thinking and educational goals.

With so much going on academically and personally, our students may need a reminder to take care of themselves. Please remember that there are a plentitude of resources available for our students including tutoring at the Camner Center for Academic Resources, therapists at the Counseling Center, and career advisors at the Toppel Career Center. Our community is about caring, so I remind you, if you need anything, do not hesitate to reach out. 

Dr. Patricia A. Whitely has been the Vice President for Student Affairs since 1997 and is an adjunct faculty member in the School of Education and Human Development. Dr. Whitely is responsible for oversight of residential life, leadership development, diversity and inclusion initiatives, service learning, orientation, student organizations, student activities, student facilities, student counseling and student health centers, Greek life, and the Dean of Students Office.

 

SAVE THE DATE

FAMILY WEEKEND

Family Weekend Online Registration Opens June 1

The University of Miami welcomes families of current students to attend Family Weekend 2020, which will take place from Thursday, Oct. 1 to Sunday, Oct. 4.  Registration goes live on Monday, June 1 at 9 a.m. ET.

Family Weekend is an annual tradition that brings over 2,500 family members to campus to spend time with their students and learn about the University of Miami. Reconnect with your students and experience student life for yourself during this weekend packed full of events like model classes, interest sessions, family receptions, and a football game against the University of Pittsburgh.

You can read about Family Weekend 2019 here.

 

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

WELLNESS AND RECREATION

SportsFest

Is your student looking to belong in a community, bond with their peers, and prove their residential college or commuter community can beat the rest? Look no further than joining over 2,000 of their fellow ’Canes at SportsFest!

This university-wide sports event of 34 years brings together students from across campus to engage in some friendly competition for points, prizes, and most importantly, bragging rights. From competitive team sports like flag football and soccer to brain games like checkers and video games like Super Smash Bros, these activities bring out team spirit every year.

"Playing for Stanford was definitely one of the highlights of my freshman year," said sophomore Jordanna Pierce, who competed in UM favorite, Battleship. "Even though we ended up sinking, I can still laugh about it with the friends I made."

This year, Stanford Residential College will be making its 34 and final appearance in SportsFest, and with Mahoney winning last year for the first time in SportsFest history, the pressure is on. So talk to your student about being a part of the SportsFest legacy. For more information, have them reach out to their Resident Assistant (RA), Commuter Assistant (CA), or Transfer Assistant (TA). SportsFest will be held on February 6-8. Who will come out on top?

 

ACADEMIC CONNECTION

TOPPEL CAREER CENTER

Accomplishing Career Goals through Building Connections to Others

As the spring semester begins, some students are preparing for graduation while others are trying to land their dream internship. At the Toppel Career Center, we believe in preparing students to make educated decisions as they explore the ever-changing landscape of careers. One of the best ways to make more educated decisions is by gaining knowledge and insight by connecting with others.

As a family member of a current University of Miami student, one way you can support them along their career path is by encouraging your student to connect with alumni, faculty, and even peers. Through the connections your student makes, they may find people who share similar interests and goals or who might be able to help them find their next opportunity. Cane2Cane is a wonderful tool your student can access to search for and reach out to mentors from the vast UM community who want to provide their knowledge and support. Our advisors are excited to work with your student to create their Cane2Cane profiles and identify additional strategies for making connections throughout the semester!

 

HELPFUL HOW-TO GUIDES

Proxy Account Guide


How to Pay Your Bill


How students make an appointment with Student Health Service


How students make an appointment at the Counseling Center


 

UNIVERSITY NEWS

BUTLER CENTER FOR SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP

Leadership UMiami creates pathways to success

The unique program ends with students in the nation’s capital, meeting with elected officials, exploring Capitol Hill, visiting the House Gallery, and more.

OFFICE OF MULTICULTURAL STUDENT AFFAIRS

Students honor Haiti earthquake victims

Planet Kreyol and the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs host a remembrance ceremony to salute victims of the 2010 earthquake with songs, poetry, dance, and more.

STUDY ABROAD

Student journalist chronicled the turmoil in Hong Kong

A fall semester abroad becomes an eye-opening experience for a School of Communication junior.

PATTI AND ALLAN HERBERT WELLNESS CENTER

Honoring a lifetime of wellness

The Patti and Allan Herbert Wellness Center’s 18,000-square-foot fitness room named in honor of Norman C. Parsons Jr., the center’s former executive director.

ROSENSTIEL SCHOOL OF MARINE AND ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE

Climate symposium concludes with energetic, informative public forum

Hosted by the University of Miami and spearheaded by the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, the event featured an informative panel discussion and a sneak peek at an upcoming CNN environmental special.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

John R. Kasich addresses students on February 4

A continuation of the “What Matters to U” speaker series, the former Ohio governor will speak to students about leadership and civic engagement.

 

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