LINKS Program Retreat   CMA Student Learning Outcomes   Harambee meeting

& Assessment Process   

 

 

Linking Individuals to Networks, Knowledge and Scholarship (LINKS)

The LINKS Mentoring and Retention Program was founded in 2002. LINKS is a voluntary mentoring and retention program that assists first-year students of color to successfully navigate into the Bridgewater State College campus community.  LINKS students are matched with an upper class mentor who has demonstrated academic success and is formally engaged in the BSC community. 

 

LINKS students participate in large group meetings twice per month during the Fall semester.  They meet with their LINKS mentor at least twice per month.  LINKS students attend Harambee meetings once per month and they attend at least one cultural event per month with their mentor.  LINKS and mentors also participate in a retreat in September.   First-year students who participate in the LINKS program will:

 

  • Develop the ability to work effectively in coalitions

  • Demonstrate the ability to network internally and externally of the Center for Multicultural Affairs

  • Develop a workable model for making important decisions affecting student success

  • Establish academic and career goals and strategies for achieving these goals

 

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Splash of Color

Splash of Color is a barbecue held during Bridgewater State College's Welcome Week.  The event is hosted by CMA and the college's ethnic student organizations.  Live music, performances by BSC students, and opportunities to reconnect with old friends and to make new friends are all a part of Splash of Color.  During Splash of Color, ethnic student organizations recruit new members and inform the campus community of upcoming events.   Students participating in Splash of Color will:

 

  • Develop a sense of belonging

  • Develop leadership skills

  • Develop the ability to speak in front of large groups 

 

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Ebony Fashion Fair Fashion Show

The Center for Multicultural Affairs hosted the first trip to the Ebony Fashion Fair Fashion Show in Swansea, Massachusetts in 2002.  Approximately 50 students and 2 staff journey to the event every year.  Students have the opportunity to meet role models from Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island that have traveled the path our students are pursuing.  Students attending the Ebony Fashion Fair Fashion Show will:

 

  • Increase self-esteem

  • Develop a sense of cultural advancement

 

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Sister Scholar Community Kwanzaa

Sister Scholar Kwanzaa was founded in 2001. The celebration is an outgrowth of the Sister Scholar voluntary support group for female students of color attending BSC.  Sister Scholar Kwanzaa began as a small event held at the Catholic Center.   Sister Scholars prepare an amazing feast in celebration of the holiday Kwanzaa.  The seven principles of Kwanzaa are celebrated and pledges are made to improve with their academic journey.   The event now includes assistance from the group Men Integrated in Brotherhood.  Approximately 100 faculty, students, and staff attended the 2008 celebration. Students who participate in Sister Scholar Community Kwanzaa will:

 

  • Increase their knowledge of the African-American culture

  • Learn strategies that promote successful teamwork

  • Become comfortable with public speaking

  • Deepen relationships with members of Afro Am Alumni, BSC faculty and staff 

 

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Kente Cloth Brunch

Kente Cloth Breakfast was founded in 1999. The Kente Cloth Breakfast celebrates the academic journey of BSC students of color and students that have demonstrated a deep commitment to the mission of the Center for Multicultural Affairs.  Faculty, staff and the family of graduating seniors come to witness graduating students receiving their Kente Cloths.  Kente cloths are a symbol of academic achievement within the community of color.

 

  • Graduating seniors will become active alumni

  • Underclass students will become inspired to seek academic and social success    

 

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Center for Multicultural Affairs' Cultural Celebrations

The CMA celebrates five cultural celebrations each year.  The cultural celebrations are as follows: Hispanic Heritage Month in October, Native American Heritage Month in November, Black History Month in February, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in April, and Ramadan.  The CMA collaborates with student groups and faculty to plan and execute the lectures and celebrations.  Students who participate in CMA cultural celebrations will:

 

  • Deepen their understanding of the Hispanic culture

  • Deepen their understanding of the local Native American nations

  • Deepen their understanding of the African American journey in the United States

  • Deepen their understanding of the challenges faced by the Asian Pacific Americans  

  • Deepen their understanding of the Middle Eastern culture

 

Student learning outcomes will be assessed through the use of quantitative and qualitative measurement tools.

 

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Last Modified: July 9, 2010

 

 

Linking Individuals to Networks, Knowledge & Scholarship (LINKS)

Splash of Color

Ebony Fashion Fair Fashion Show

Sister Scholar Community Kwanzaa

Kente Cloth Brunch

Center for Multicultural Affairs' Cultural Celebrations