Multicultural Student Affairs

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) at Shippensburg University aids in the overall experience of students by creating opportunities for inclusive interaction and engagement and building a supportive environment with services that promote social justice and cultural change.

With the MSA, you will experience opportunities for inclusive engagement which cultivate academic success and encourage personal and professional development. We educate, empower, and advocate for the holistic development of all students at the university. And as our roots run deep, our branches also spread wide. Read more below about the ways the branches of the MSA canopy Shippensburg University.

Academic

MSA is committed to academic achievement and retention with graduation being the primary goal. The MSA WEB Dubois Excellence Academy, the SET (Seeking Excellence Together) Study Incentive Program, The Learning Tree Book Exchange and Harambee (Let’s Pull Together) Book Scholarship focus on motivating students to strive for excellence in their academic pursuits. MSA supports the academic vision of the institution; to encourage students to strive to be their best self, strive to learn, strive to take their turn; and to recognize that education can, and does, change lives.

Leadership

MSA also prepares incoming students for future leadership roles. A culturally competent leadership series prepares incoming students for future roles.

Support

MSA leaders serve in high-profile positions such as Orientation Team Leaders, Resident Assistants, Admission Ambassadors, and the Student Government Association. The impact of the MSA is seen and felt throughout the entire campus. MSA also provides life coaching, referral services to support systems, and serves as a liaison and advocate.

Diversity Education and Training

We offer a wide array of programs created to promote diversity. MSA staff tailors and presents diversity workshops, motivational speeches and lectures for the campus and community at large. Each student group within MSA also conducts small group activities designed to promote inclusiveness like The Student Round Tables, ACT, the SHIP Unity Project, The Great Debate, The Master’s Class and The Uncensored Series.

Social/Cultural

We create campus- and community-wide programs that educate, engage, and empower cultural awareness. We bring students together through food, festivals and fun as a mechanism to promote interaction and understanding. All our events are designed to celebrate and acknowledge contributions of underrepresented groups as well as commemorate national occasions. The programs are free and open to the public.

Community

Each One, Reach One, Teach One is a hallmark of MSA where avenues are provided for students to become involved with service-learning opportunities that provide community/global awareness and involvement as well as practical experiences working in diverse environments and a global marketplace.

Parent Partnership Program

Going for the Gold is designed to include parents in initiatives that enhance student success. It takes a village to help students succeed and parents play an important role.

Alumni Network

This initiative connects students from underrepresented groups with Alumni professionals in specific fields. Overcoming the odds is the foundation of this experience.