A taskforce was created in fall 2018 to explore the possibility of creating a "multicultural center" at UMB. The task force formed due to feedback expressed by students to Dr. Perman and Dr. Ward regarding strategies and resources that could enhance the campus climate for diverse students. 

Recommendations were composed based on feedback from the taskforce and the campus community regarding the focus and structure of a "multicultural center" at UMB based on our unique needs and strengths as a campus. 

Multicultural centers within higher education have historically used an intersectional and inclusive approach in offering programming and services that seek to create a welcoming campus climate where all students can thrive. Multicultural centers often collaborate with other units to assist in supporting under-represented students and to enhance the learning of all students on a campus. An institution's history, institutional type, and geographic region should inform the focus of a multicultural center.

Students, faculty, and staff were invited to submit feedback through multiple options. Meetings were held with one or more student governing bodies or leadership groups within each School and the University Student Government Association. An online survey was also administered.

In summer 2019, transformational funding was approved for an executive director position and an operating budget. The position description for the inaugural Executive Director of the Intercultural Leadership and Engagement Center was posted in December 2019. The Executive Director, Courtney J. Jones Carney, MBA, began in this inaugural position on June 2020.

Contact Patty Alvarez, PhD, assistant vice president of student affairs, at palvarez@umaryland.edu with any questions.

Multicultural Center Taskforce Executive Summary - Spring 2019

Multicultural Center Taskforce Members Sept 18-Feb 19