Multicultural Center for Academic Success (MCAS) Advocates are Gaining Momentum in 2018 | September 2018
RIT seeks to enhance an environment where diverse people and their unique perspectives are at “key decision-making tables” at each academic college. The Multicultural Center for Academic Success (MCAS) Advocates program consists of students and dean appointed faculty/staff who work together to build AALANA communities within the college. These MCAS advocates have learned from each other and planned dynamic and engaging programming for students and staff/faculty alike. Last academic year, the momentum built up from brainstorming sessions, development of goals, and kicked off the inaugural year with a wide-range of programming. During the summer of 2018, members had the ability to plan and set new goals for the 2018-2019 academic year.
“We’re helping our students grow by taking on leadership roles and helping shape the programming and culture of each academic unit within RIT,” said Liz Bremer, Assistant Director for Assessment & Academic Partnerships with the Multicultural Center for Academic Success. “It brings us great joy to see how the uniqueness of each college is embraced” added Bremer.
The program sponsored 21 events across all colleges during the 2017-2018 academic year. There were 21 students who served in the student advocate role, helping to coordinate programming and initiatives in their respective colleges. The total number of students that attended MCAS Advocates events was 288 – an increase of 100 participants from the pilot year.
RIT is a unique place, positioned both nationally and internationally as “an example to watch” in terms of our multicultural and academic access programs. Now, we must continue to be thoughtfully strategic, bringing students, staff and faculty voices to the brainstorming and planning conversations. Where their ideas, continue to build our university into a forward-thinking institution. We must ignite and capitalize on the talents of all students, staff and faculty.
In that spirit of collaboration and inclusiveness, we’d like to say thank you to all the RIT students, staff and faculty who have participated and volunteered to make the MCAS Advocates programs grow this past year. If you’d like more information, please visit the website of each college or school; and if you’d like to share an idea or obtain more information, feel free to reach out to out MCAS advocates below.
MCAS Advocate: Ricardo Figueroa
MCAS Advocates: Steve Luxmore and Quinn Karley
B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences
MCAS Advocate: Dan Stafford
Kate Gleason College of Engineering
MCAS Advocate: Venessa Mitchell
College of Engineering Technology
MCAS Advocates: Sean Bennett and Nykki Matthews
College of Health Science and Technology
MCAS Advocate: Ashley Jackson
MCAS Advocate: Kristy Mooney Graves
National Technical Institute for the Deaf
MCAS Advocates: Stephanie Albert and Michael Serrato
MCAS Advocates: Michael Cross and John-David Rocha
School of Individualized Studies
MCAS Advocates: Melissa Piciulo
MCAS Advocates: Dewey Lawrence