KINGSTON, R.I. – Sept. 6, 2024 – The University of Rhode Island’s Multicultural Student Services Center (MSSC) is ready to welcome new and returning students this 2024-25 school year, following the center’s annual Welcome Back Day Party on the MSSC patio on the afternoon of Sept. 3.
“These events are a great way to connect with one another and to find community at URI,” Bobby Britto-Oliveira, assistant director of URI’s Multicultural Student Services Center, says. “I encourage new and returning students alike to attend this event and to learn more about the range of multicultural student organizations, diverse Greek Life options, and other partnerships that celebrate social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion at URI. We look forward to creating space for our diverse communities in the year ahead, to offer students and community members a sense of belonging.”
Events to look forward to this fall include:
Tuesday, Sept. 10
The Link-Up: BIPOC Student, Alumni, Faculty and Staff Community gathering
MSSC Hardge Forum, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The Multicultural Student Services Center is collaborating with the Alumni of Color Network, Talent Development, and Alumni of Color Student Leaders for a meet and greet at the Multicultural Student Services Center with BIPOC students, alumni, faculty, and staff in the Rhody community.
Wednesday, Sept. 18
Culture & Canvas
MSSC Hardge Forum, 5 to 7 p.m.
This ongoing series lets students express their creativity while exploring culture together. The work created also decorates shared spaces in the MSSC, putting student expression from various cultures on display for all to see.
Tuesday, Sept. 24
The Multicultural Student Services Center is organizing a Community Voter Registration Drive which will take place on the Quadrangle, 12 to 4 p.m., alongside September’s monthly Beats & Eats for food, festivities and more.
Monday, Oct. 7
Queriendo Conexión (Wanting Connection)
MSSC Hardge Forum, 5:30 to 8 p.m.
The ‘Wanting Connection’ series returns to center conversations on traditional ideas related to masculinity, vulnerability, and relationships. The dialogue will be led by alumnus Kevin Pajaro-Mariñez ’15, who will provide an intentional space for participants to have healthy dialogue.
Wednesday, Oct. 9
A Taste of Culture: Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month Edition
MSSC Hardge Forum
Visit the MSSC for good food, culture, and community celebration. This event will feature alumni from URI’s multicultural student organization eXposure, which will provide dance lessons in bachata, merengue, and salsa.
Thursday, Oct. 30
Día de los Muertos
MSSC Hardge Forum, 5 to 7 p.m.
The MSSC invites all to join its annual celebration of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a joyful holiday that involves coming together to pay respects and to honor family and friends who have passed away. Bring your ofrendas (offerings/memorabilia) to decorate the altar.
Wednesday, Nov. 6
Native American Heritage Month Kickoff
MSSC Hardge Forum, 12 to 2 p.m.
The Multicultural Student Services Center hosts URI’s commemoration of Native American Heritage Month today, featuring members of the Narragansett Indian Tribe and student leaders from URI’s Native American Student Organization.
Tuesday, Nov. 12
Culture & Canvas: Native American Heritage Month Edition
MSSC Hardge Forum, 5 to 7 p.m.
The last Culture & Canvas for the fall semester invites students to express their creativity while exploring culture together.
Wednesday, Dec. 11
Multi-org Final Exam Study Sesh
MSSC Hardge Forum, 5 to 9 p.m.
URI’s Multicultural Student Services Center, in collaboration with various academic multicultural student organizations, will offer community at a shared final exam study session celebrating the end of the fall semester. This event is open to the entire URI student body. Bring your laptops, books, and other studying materials and make yourself at home as you prepare for your final exams with other members of our community.
For details on all events at the Multicultural Student Services Center this fall, please see https://urinvolved.uri.edu/, visit the MSSC page or follow @uri_mssc.