The Office of Multicultural Affairs strives to promote various conferences and encourage students to attend when funding is available. Programs/events are subject to change based on student interest each year.
Student Conferences
Student Leadership Development Institution
(Lancaster County Convention Center, Lancaster, PA)
Pennsylvania Black Conference on High Education, Inc. sponsors the annual two-day leadership conference to offer students the opportunity to develop personal and professional leadership skills. In addition to workshops/sessions, and panel discussions, guest speakers present keynote addresses at luncheons and banquets. In addition to providing an opportunity for the development of future leaders, students who are active campus leaders have a forum to exchange ideas and to network with each other as well as Administrators and Faculty. The institute was founded in October 1987.
Pennsylvania Black Conference on Higher Education Annual Conference
Professional conference for professionals and Graduate students. The conference focuses on the status of students of color in higher education institutions in Pennsylvania as well as secondary education issues. The global initiative sponsored by the conference include an annual contribution to the Zebilla Technical Secondary School in the northern part of Ghana. A three-day conference that focuses on issues that affect academic professionals and graduate students. The primary goal of the conference is to provide training and presentation opportunities for the personal and professional advancement of the underrepresented populations in higher education.
Intercultural Relations Conference (March)
A two-day mini conference opened to the public and students from other schools. Presenters are primarily from the Mansfield University community including Faculty, Staff and student organizations. A performance or guest presenter is featured at a Friday evening banquet and/or a Saturday luncheon to give the regional community an opportunity to attend the conference. Public school teachers may also earn Act 48 credits or continuing education units (CEUs).
Social Justice Retreats
PALOMA Harrisburg Area Community College
A one-day conference of innovative, informative and interactive workshops lead by multicultural affairs professionals in higher education within the state of Pennsylvania focused on how we as college students and administrators can help to break the double standards and status quo that exists within our society.
SANKOFA Bloomsburg University
A one-day collaborative retreat planned by students and faculty from five different Universities who come together for presentations and workshops that provides professional development, support, training, and the exchange of best practices in the field.
UMOJA/UNIDAD Shippensburg University
The purpose of this conference is to promote unity by bringing college students together from all different backgrounds and dialoguing about relevant issues that students are experiencing today. A full weekend of events; Workshops, Fashion Show, After-Party, Stomp Fest and Step-Show are generally a part of this event
Operation Ambition Mansfield University
A one-day collaborative Leadership retreat planned by MU students, which offers motivational speakers, workshops, faculty and student presentations, food and entertainment.
Multicultural Programs
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration
Annual observance of the work and struggle of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his leadership of the Non-Violent Civil Rights Movement. The program features music, poetry, and reflection. Guest speakers are chosen from the campus community.
Conversation for Diversity Grant Program
Seeks funding proposals from faculty members that will support them in providing educational, inspirational and creative ways to challenge stereotypes, enhance multicultural consciousness, and improve self-awareness and increase sensitivity on campus and in the community.
International Education Week
Is sponsored by the International Office and is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange. This is a chance to embrace the uniqueness of nations around the world as well as their similarities in order to better understand how to work together. The activities for this week include literacy day projects, film festival, exhibitions highlighting importance of international education and study abroad program.
Community Connections Program
Is an Office of Multicultural Affairs partnership that supports campus/community gatherings where members of Mansfield International Student Organization prepare foods from different regions and give brief presentations to increase cultural awareness about the food and the countries represented.
Cultural Heritage Celebrations
Cultural Heritage awareness such as Hispanic Heritage Month, Black History Month, Women's History Month, Indigenous People and others. This is featured by bulletin board displays, artifacts, pictures, and crafts showcased in the Martin Luther King Jr. Center. Speakers are invited to give presentations and panel discussions are held with faculty, staff, and student panelists sharing information on their ancestral history or family background.