MICUA

MICUA campuses host numerous activities throughout the year to recognize and celebrate diverse populations. The campus community experiences various cultures through music, dance, readings, workshops, exhibits, lectures, book discussions, film, theater, fashion shows, and culinary activities. Most of these events are free and open to students, faculty, staff, administrators, neighbors, and friends.

In addition, the institutions host a variety of events during Black History month, Women’s History month, Hispanic Heritage month, Native American History month, and Asian Awareness month. MICUA institutions also encourage a broader understanding of other religions. For example, Notre Dame of Maryland University, a Catholic institution, sponsors an annual Seder ritual with members of the Baltimore Jewish community. Attendance for this event continues to grow annually.

Many students at Capitol College and Johns Hopkins University are members of the National Society of Black Engineers or the Society of Women Engineers. These organizations encourage minorities and women to pursue engineering and technology-related fields and offer tutoring and networking for members. There are many other organizations that link ethnic groups in particular fields of study, such as the Association of Women in Communications or the Association of Black Journalists. These organizations have chapters on several MICUA campuses.

Students at St. John’s College participate in an oral history project on the first African-American students who attended the College. Students conduct oral interviews, which are compiled into a documentary. During the summer, St. John’s College sponsors a week-long seminar for high school teachers. The seminar, Slavery and Hope, features the works of Mark Twain, Frederick Douglass, and W.E.B. Dubois.

Johns Hopkins University sponsors Students Educating and Empowering for Diversity (SEED). This peer education team conducts programs to promote conversations about diversity issues. By using film, books, lectures, and artistic works, SEED engages students in dialogue about sensitive issues.

Mount St. Mary’s University held a series of Courageous Conversations throughout the year. Faculty led discussions with students on topics related to diversity and gender equity. One presentation was entitled Stereotypes, Perceptions and Hollywood.

For the second year, Stevenson University sponsored Multicultural Awareness Week, featuring a two-day presentation called Tunnel of Oppression. The Tunnel included 22 unique displays covering 210 feet and depicting social injustice and forms of oppression. Faculty incorporated research and presentation skills into their lesson plans. Students conducted research individually and in group collaborations and presented their findings and experiences via the displays. Many Stevenson clubs and organizations contributed to the dynamic exhibits.

Most MICUA institutions encourage their students to participate in community service as a way of connecting with the surrounding community. Service-learning projects—such as tutoring, serving meals at a soup kitchen, or creating food baskets to give to the needy—provide opportunities for students to interact with children and adults of different cultures and enhance their awareness and understanding of cross-cultural differences.

Several MICUA institutions participate in Alternative Spring Break, which provides educational and service opportunities in various regions of the country. Some students volunteer with Habitat for Humanity to build houses. Students from Notre Dame of Maryland University and Loyola University Maryland travel to communities in Mexico to experience the lives of mostly Hispanic families and address issues of poverty, discrimination, fair housing, and immigration through educational and experiential sessions. The written reflections of the students often reveal life-altering awareness and experiences.

Cleopatra's Sisters is an organization at Washington College for women of different ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds. The organization stands on seven principles: sisterhood, respect, unity, peace, patience, pride, and love. Cleopatra's Sisters are involved in community service programs and advocate for women’s issues. The organization collects personal items to donate to Women in Need of Kent County. In addition, they volunteer as tutors and mentors to young high school women in Kent County.

Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) annually participates in Urban Plunge, a day of community service in Baltimore. Working with the Living Classrooms Foundation—which provides hands-on education and job training skills for students from diverse backgrounds—MICA students complete a variety of service projects, including mural painting, design work, and wetlands clean-up. Discussions after the event touch on diversity topics.

Washington Adventist University (WAU) promotes a variety of clubs and organizations that are specific to particular culture groups. WAU celebrates diverse cultural heritages, even if there are few members of that culture on campus. During special celebrations, WAU brings experts to campus to share their experiences with the learning community.