Mission
The Multicultural Resource Center serves as a primary resource for coordination of Binghamton University's multicultural initiatives, including, but not limited to, the development and implementation of conferences, seminars, training programs, and workshops. The creation of the Center is one of the Division of Student Affair's primary initiatives, as outlined in the Framework for Implementing Binghamton University's Strategic Objectives for Diversity .
What is Multiculturalism?
Multiculturalism is the active, purposeful and consistent valuing, respecting and inclusion of people who come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. To be multicultural means to appreciate, value and respect characteristics of another's personal cultural heritage and/or their community, which might differ from one's own. Therefore a multicultural community appreciates, values, and respects people of diverse cultural heritages. The diversity that defines multiculturalism is broad and inclusive so as to recognize and value all people whatever their ability status, class, ethnic background, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.
Building a More Inclusive Campus Community
It is important for all people at our campus community to understand that multiculturalism is an ever-evolving concept because it is a concept constructed by human beings. The Center will assist with the building of a campus community that is based upon "constructive" multiculturalism.
Constructive Multiculturalism
Carlos E. Cortes, professor emeritus at the University of California-Riverside defines constructive multiculturalism as:
- An art form, a belief system, a constantly expanding set of skills, a propensity for action, an evolving network of attitudes concerning diversity.
- Both addressing realities and striving to create and implement a vision for the future.
- An ongoing process of improvement, not an ultimate goal that you reach.
- Involving continuous experimentation, assessment, modification, and innovation
Why Do We Need a MultiCultural Resource Center?
- The MRC was created to offer all Binghamton University students the opportunity to develop their awareness about cultures different than their own, as well as to truly explore their own personal cultural identity.
- The MRC offers assistance to students of color in their academic and social adjustment to Binghamton University, by exploring the full range of educational, social and personal opportunities offered.
- The MRC works to facilitate effective communication among a group of culturally diverse student leaders known as the MultiCultural Round Table . The MRC provides a safe arena where conflicts are resolved and collaborations are nurtured.
- The MRC develops training programs and workshops that focus on:
- cultural awareness activities
- issues of multiculturalism
- cross-cultural communication
- implementing diversity action plan(s)
- The MRC maintains a directory of resources (video tapes, text and curricula guides) available to the campus community on various topic areas regarding ethnicity /race, gender, class, physical ability, religion, and sexual orientation.
- The MRC develops collaborative relationships with faculty and staff to explore and develop co-curricular projects in an effort to gain greater depth to an already remarkable liberal arts education
