Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does Multicultural Student Services (MSS) do?
2. What types of programs are sponsored by MSS?
3. Does MSS offer any scholarships?
4. Does MSS only serve U.S. students of color who are undergraduates?
5. Is that candy really free?
6. Is this the HANA office?
7. Where can I find help with a class?
8. Where do I go for advocacy/support?
9. How do I get involved?
10. Can you help with my resume, cover letter, interviewing, job search, etc.?

1. What does Multicultural Student Services (MSS) do?

   In addition to providing advocacy and mediation services for all students, Multicultural Student Services offers services that are designed to increase retention of United States’ students of color (i.e., Asian/Pacific-Islander, Hispanic/Latino/a or Chicano/a, African American, and Native American/American Indian) and permanent resident students. We promote multicultural awareness through personal interaction, training opportunities, educational programs and dissemination of information and monitor student perceptions of St. Thomas’ climate for diversity. The office offers several scholarships to undergraduate United States’ students of color and routinely honors those students, faculty and staff whose actions support the creation and maintenance of an inclusive, civil and welcoming campus community.

   

    

2. What types of programs are sponsored by MSS?

   MSS sponsors programs that are designed to increase awareness of diversity issues. They include speakers, educational programs and training events. One such program is the LINKAGES Dialogue series, which afford students the opportunity to discuss sensitive and controversial issues in a safe and confidential environment.

   

    

3. Does MSS offer any scholarships?

   Yes. We offer several need-based scholarships to undergraduate U.S. students of color. Applications are mailed to all eligible students (cumulative 2.0 and above grade point average) in late January. We do not currently offer any scholarships for graduate students. The MSS FLASH, our department newsletter, features information about scholarships, fellowships and internship opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students. All students should utilize Student Financial Services for information about scholarship opportunities.

   

    

4. Does MSS only serve U.S. students of color who are undergraduates?

   MSS helps all students. Stop by or contact one of our staff members for assistance with any question or concern. If we can't help, we will find someone who can!

   

    

5. Is that candy really free?

   YES!. Both the candy and bubble gum are free.

   

    

6. Is this the HANA office?

   MSS is not the HANA Office. The HANA Office is located in the Campus Life Leadership Room (112G MHC).

   

    

7. Where can I find help with a class?

   The Academic Counseling Office, located in Aquinas Hall, offers assistance with developing class schedules.

   

    

8. Where do I go for advocacy/ support?

   The University Ombudsperson, Sr. Sharon Howell, is located in the Dean of Students Office (DOS). Both DOS and Multicultural Student Services provide advocacy support for all students.

   

    

9. How do I get involved?

   The Campus Life Office maintains a list of over 100 clubs and organizations. You are sure to find one that interests you. Some suggestions include: HANA (multicultural organization), the Black Empowerment Student Alliance (BESA), the African Nations Student Association (ANSA) and the Globally Minded Student Association (GMSA).

   

    

10. Can you help with my resume, cover letter, interviewing, job search, etc.?

    We will generally refer students with these types of questions to the Career Development Center, which is located on the 3rd floor of Herrick Hall.