Multicultural Student Services

Multicultural Student Services (MSS), as part of the Office of the Dean of Students, aims to promote inclusion and engagement for historically underrepresented students. MSS enhances the undergraduate experience through co-curricular programs and culturally relevant services that are meant to empower students in their identity, build community, and help a diverse group of students find their individual and collective voices.

Through MSS, students collaborate with professional staff to develop programs offered through the Multicultural Student Center (MSC) and the LGBTQ Center, both located on the lower level of Newcomb Hall. These important Centers of student life have been designed to meet the needs of multicultural students in finding community and engaging in rich dialogue. The Centers offer meeting and program space for student groups, study space with computers, a comfortable lounge area, and a conference room. The Centers are open to everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, ability, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Latinx Student Center (LSC) is located in Newcomb on the 3rd Floor and was created with collective efforts of Latinx Students and professional staff. 

Mission: “The mission of the Latinx Student Center is to provide an inclusive environment that supports the intersectional experiences, diverse cultures, and educational goals of Latinx students at the University of Virginia.”

We seek to accomplish this by: 

·       Providing academic resources that help students achieve their academic goals and developing initiatives to increase the retention rate of Latinx students at the University. 

·       Advocating for student needs.

·       Providing programs, events and workshops that raise awareness about social justice issues impacting the diverse Latinx/Hispanic cultures, identities, and intersectional experiences.

·       Serving as the liaison for different communities such as alumni, prospective students, (and other Latinx/Hispanic communities outside of the university). 

·       Providing a home away from home for the students and UVA community at large.

Hours:  Monday - Friday | 10AM-9PM; Saturday | 12PM-5PM; Sunday | 12PM-9PM

Free Printing from 10am - 3pm  - shared printing available in the LGBTQ Center; ask the LSC staff for assistance

Program Coordinator, Multicultural Student Services | Sadira Glendenning (She/Her) , sg8fx@virginia.edu

The MSC aims to facilitate a student-centered, collaborative space that supports underrepresented and marginalized communities, while cultivating the holistic empowerment of all students. Located in the lower level of Newcomb Hall.

Students use the space to:

• Hang out

• Study, use the computers, and print freely

• Reserve the space for meetings and events

Hours:  Fall/Spring Semesters -  Mon-Sun | 9am - 11pm 

Assistant Dean of Students, Director of Multicultural Student Services and Fraternity & Sorority Life| Vicki Gist (She/ Her), vgist@virginia.edu

Program Coordinator, Multicultural Student Services | Sadira Glendenning (She/ Her) , sg8fx@virginia.edu

Program Coordinator, Multicultural Student Services | Jannatul Pramanik (She/ Her), jannatul@virginia.edu

Student Director, Multicultural Student Center | Camille Horton cmh2de@virginia.edu 

*Location is set to move to Newcomb 2nd Floor in Spring 2020

Located in Newcomb Hall’s Lower Level (just past the Multicultural Student Center), the LGBTQ Center is a welcoming physical safe space and a programming center for the University of Virginia. Whether you’re questioning, coming out, LGBTQ+-identified, or an ally, the LGBTQ Center has something for you.

Staffed fully by student volunteers, the center provides opportunities to learn about and engage with the community, as well as a lounge, work spaces, computer access, and a variety of free safe sex materials.

Program Coordinator, LGBTQ Student Services | Alex Winkowski (They/ Them), awinkowski@virginia.edu

*Location is set to change to Newcomb 3rd Floor in Spring 2020

PMP was founded in 1999 as a structure of support for students of Hispanic/Latinx origin during their first year at UVA. Our goal is to help students make the transition to University life in academics, co-curriculars and socially, by enlisting the help of the people best equipped to help, namely, young Hispanic/Latinx upperclassmen already succeeding at the University and enjoying life here. By creating small familias based on common interests each mentee can benefit from a personalized relationship with their mentors and fellow peers, enriching their overall experience. 

Events: Soccer on the Lawn, Sunrise Hike, Apple Picking, Homemade Food (Pupusas, tostones, etc)