Multicultural Programming
Want an opportunity to explore cultural identity in a safe and inclusive environment? Our multicultural programs encourage and promote social and academic integration of underrepresented students. Check out our programs below.
New Beginnings Reception: September
The reception creates a comfortable and safe environment for underrepresented students to dialogue with campus community members, and it allows students to identify resources and allies needed to be successful at UNLV.
Cultural Success Resource Workshops: September
The workshops create a comfortable and safe environment for students of color to discuss issues and challenges concerning the adjustment of members in their identity group. It also illustrates the importance of a support community among ethnic identity groups on campus. The workshops provide information regarding on- and off-campus resources and give incoming students and their parents the opportunity to meet faculty, staff, and members of their peer group.
Latino/a Heritage Month: September/October
Throughout this month, students from the different Latino/Hispanic student organizations engage in collaborative programming such as salsa nights, film viewings, and discussion panels. The main event will take place on La Vida es un Carnaval: Life is a Carnival, Thursday, September 24th in the SU Ballroom from 7pm-9pm. It will feature a speaker, dance and music performances, artwork, a spoken word artist and Cuban food. View flier (pdf)
Gays of our Lives: Tuesday, October 20th, 5:30 p.m. in SU Theater
Join SODA for their very own live talk show designed to challenge stereotypes against the GLBTQ community and build an ally community here at UNLV.
Snacks to be provided at the event.
Native American Heritage Month (PDF):
Join the UNLV community for a Native Dance Performance from 11a to 1p on November 4th at the Alumni Amphitheater that will highlight World Champion Hoop Dancers.
Join AISES and NASA for the 2009 Miss Native UNLV pageant on November 13th at 6:30p being held at the TAM Alumni Center. Free dinner and performances will be provided to the attendees.
Join SODA for The Unbroken Code: A Round Table Discussion of Native Americans in the War on November 19th. This event will take place at 6pm in SU 209, and it will highlight Samuel Holliday, a Navajo Code Talker.
Join AISES and NASA for the Native Film Festival on November 20th. This event will take place from 10a to 5p in SU 219, and it will include a viewing of Turquoise Rose, Powwow Highway, Miss Navajo, and 30 Days: Life on a Reservation.
Native American Heritage Potluck: November
The potluck serves as an opportunity for non-Native students to learn more about Native American culture and history. It helps students from the Native American Students Association engage in collaborative work and it also provides an opportunity to work closely with the Native American community on campus (including faculty and staff) and with the Las Vegas community.
Cultural Leadership Retreat: November 6-8 and February 5-7
The Cultural Leadership Retreat is a three-day, two-night weekend with interactive workshops designed to create an environment for individuals to explore cultural identity, share experiences, and discuss the meaning of leadership within the context of a diverse society. The workshops create a safe climate for sharing activities. Participants need to come prepared to actively participate in activities by sharing views, attitudes, beliefs and experiences openly and honestly. The Cultural Leadership Retreat is an unique opportunity to learn more about yourself, connect with other students, and to make a positive impact at UNLV.
For those interested in the Fall retreat, applications will be accepted until Friday, October 16 at 5:00p. To apply, please Click Here.
For staff or faculty interested in applying as a facilitator for the retreat, please Click Here to apply.
2009 Students of Color Leadership Symposium
The Student of Color Leadership Symposium brings together students and to share information and build networks in order to mutually inform and strengthen the common work of our student leaders at UNLV. In addition to the informal networking opportunities of the symposium, another significant means of achieving this goal is the formal sharing of our experiences, work in theory, research and application and what it means to be a student of color, a student leader, and an engaged member of our 21st Century society.
2009 Students of Color Leadership Symposium
“Building Bridges-Creating Connections”
October 23rd, 2009 from 9:00am-5:00pm
Student Union Room 208
Register Today: Click Here to take survey
Jazzitudes: February
This program was created to expose participants to different aspects of black history and the importance of oral traditions such as spoken word and music. It also provides the opportunity to work closely with the African Americans in the Las Vegas community and direct program attendees to resources.
Ally Recognition Mixer: April
The annual mixer is held during UnityFest to honor individuals and organizations that have been identified as allies to underrepresented populations. This program is sponsored by the Ethnic Student Council, the Office of Student Diversity Programs and Services, and The Office of Student Involvement and Activities. The program consists of a recognition element as well as opportunities for individuals to express their definitions of what an ally is and establish ideas for them to show their commitment to developing and maintaining a just and inclusive campus community.
Asian Pacific American Heritage Celebration: April
The Asian Pacific Islander Celebration incorporates a variety of elements from different Asian cultures, including a tea ceremony, flower arranging, themed movies, and the main event, Curry-oke (Karaoke and Curry Food). By presenting an array of Asian-Pacific Islander cultures through cultural forms of expression, food, and informational handouts, participants are introduced to the concepts of understanding and appreciating human differences, aesthetic sensitivity, and cultural competence. Student planners are able to become more familiar with collaboration. Program planners are also able to focus on creative thinking/innovation and the ability to plan and organize.
A Community of Contrasts: April
Within the Asian American and Pacific Islander community are many ethnicities and experiences. This event will acknowledge and celebrate this diversity. There will be performances, discussion, and food from several distinct communities.This event is also part of UnityFest and is sponsored by Raising Our Asian Rights (ROAR) and Students Organizing Diversity Activities (SODA).
Pride Month: April
This program celebrates and honors the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/transsexual, and queer community at UNLV.
Students Organizing Diversity Activities
Passionate about diversity? Interested in gaining leadership experience as an undergraduate? Seeking long lasting friendships with fellow UNLV Rebels? Join the UNLV SODA Facebook group and visit the SODA website today.
Community of Color Graduation Programs: May
The African American Commencement Program
This event honors African American graduates receiving various degrees from UNLV. The celebration honors African-American students from the university community and serves as a cultural gathering for students who share a common ground. For these graduates, the celebration pays homage to ancestors, families, and communities. The celebration, chaired and organized by African American students at UNLV, includes African American community and educational leaders who provide the keynote address to graduates in the hope of empowering them to succeed in life.
The Latina/o Graduation Program
The Latina/o graduation program at UNLV — La Celebración recognizes the hard work and dedication of each and every student who has completed a degree from a school of higher learning. La Celebración honors the academic achievements of Latina/o students at UNLV with an intimate ceremony while embracing our cultural traditions. The ceremony is open to all graduating students and allows graduates the opportunity to publicly thank those who have helped them throughout their educational experience. This commencement ceremony positively portrays the accomplishments of Latina/o students to family, friends, and the community.
Native American Convocation
The Native American Convocation ceremony celebrates the achievements of the indigenous student and recognizes and respects the cultures and traditions of the American Indian community as a whole. The celebration of these accomplishments fuses a lasting impression on the graduating student regarding his or her tenure at UNLV and creates ties to the broader American Indian community in Southern Nevada. Though the retention and graduation rate of American Indian students is the lowest of any ethnic group on campus, the celebration provides an avenue by which the broader campus community becomes familiar with the needs of this unique population.