Education

Office of Multicultural Programs aims to create an inclusive environment

Students often can be found in the College of Education Office of Multicultural Programs, studying, socializing and relaxing. Credit: Annemarie Mountz / Penn StateCreative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Office of Multicultural Programs is a unit under the Office of the Dean in the College of Education, serving a broad clientele and performing a multitude of roles in its goal of creating an inclusive learning and working environment.

The office's mission is to facilitate the development of an infrastructure and climate that promotes and values the principles of social justice, equity and inclusion; infuses diversity across the curriculum and student experiences; facilitates access to post-secondary opportunities; supports the advancement of outstanding under-represented educators; and works toward the greater diversification of the education profession.

The Office of Multicultural Programs aims to:

  • Promote a sense of community and improve the quality of life for all education students in general and under-represented/underserved students.
  • Foster equity and inclusion by creating educational opportunities, raising awareness and developing strategies and tools to enhance intercultural, racial/ethnic competence.
  • Promote inclusive excellence by working to ensure equitable access to opportunities, benefits and resources for all students and College of Education community members.
  • Collaborate in the construct of institutional values that are responsive to the core principles of Penn State’s Fostering and Embracing a Diverse World — Strategic Plan 2016-2020 (Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice).
  • Provide leadership for the college’s initiatives to enhance the intercultural competence of faculty, staff and students.
  • Nurture individual and group growth among the College of Education community by advancing students, faculty and staff learning through programs and experiences that integrate self-awareness, multicultural and intercultural communication, and social justice education.
Last Updated September 3, 2020

Contact