Multicultural Student Services Center records

The Multicultural Student Services Center (MSSC or “The Center”) is an office at The George Washington University that addresses the needs of underrepresented undergraduate students. The Center also has a physical space, located at 2127 G Street NW. From the MSSC website: “The Multicultural Student Services Center (MSSC) focuses its work on underrepresented undergraduate students who are racial-, ethnic- and identity-based minority students.” The communities and identities they specifically provide outreach to includes: Asian and Pacific Islander; Black; Lesbian Gay, Bisexual, Queer, Transgender, Intersex, and Asexual; Latinx, Native American; Religious and Faith; and South Asian (MSSC Website, 2020).

The Multicultural Student Services Center was created in 1989 to better address the needs of minority students and supplement the services provided by the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) (The GW Hatchet, July 13, 1989). Founded in 1969, the Education Opportunity Program provided funding and support to Washington, DC-area high school students who otherwise would not have attended college. The EOP itself grew out of concerns and efforts from the Black Peoples' Union at GWU. The EOP worked closely with the Admissions Office and the Financial Aid Department. Students were required to participate in an eight- to ten-week Precollege Enrichment and Review Program (PREP) course. Early Directors of the EOP included Yvonne Thomas, Ronald Whitmore, and Valerie Epps. When the MSSC was created, Valerie Epps became its first Director. As of 2020, the Multicultural Student Services Center is now part of the Office for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement (ODECE) in the Office of the Provost. The Director of the MSSC reports to the Vice Provost, ODECE. Previously, the MSSC Director reported to the Senior Vice President for Student and Academic Support Services.

Through the Center, students receive orientation to the various University resources, and are made aware of the many cultural activities and programs that exist on campus and in the greater Metropolitan area. Throughout the year, the MSSC hosts a wide range of events and opportunities to enhance the multicultural ideals, cultural heritage, racial understanding, academic excellence, and continuous personal development for all students. There are a number of “Signature Events” hosted each year, like the MSSC Block Party at the beginning of the Academic Year. The MSSC Graduation, which began in 2008, is now a part of the official GW Commencement Weekend. (It was added to the official program in 2011.) The MSSC also collaborates with other departments on campus to host events. The Interfaith Baccalaureate during Commencement Weekend is a partnership with University Events, while King Week is co-developed with the Honey W. Nashman Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service.

The Center provides professional and peer counseling; course advising; tutoring referrals; internship and career help; and campus and community mentoring programs. MSSC Staff also can provide training to the GW faculty, staff, and students on diversity and inclusion issues and skills. The MSSC also houses the LGBTQIA+ Resource Center.



(Originally written in 2005, Updated 2020.)