Multicultural Student Programs & Services

The Office of Multicultural Student Programs and Services supports the academic, social, and cultural development of our students from diverse backgrounds.

We provide advocacy, support services, and culturally based programs to educate the campus on diversity and multiculturalism while empowering students to become agents of social change in an increasingly diverse and global community.

Enriching Experiences


The Office of Multicultural Student Programs and Services coordinates programs to enhance the college experience for students while promoting cross-cultural engagement and understanding.
  • SPECTRA Summer Transition Program

    SPECTRA provides a summer academic and transition experience for incoming African American, Latinx/Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Native/Indigenous American (AALANA) College of Charleston first-year students.

    Students in the program enroll in classes, earn college credit, live in a residence hall on campus, and participate in a variety of programs and activities designed specifically to assist them with transitioning from high school to the academic life of a College of Charleston student.

    Learn more about SPECTRA
  • Mentoring Matters

    Mentoring Matters connects incoming first-year from the SPECTRA program with College of Charleston faculty, staff, and peer mentors.

    Through one-on-one relationships, group events, and educational workshops, mentees receive guidance, support, and resources to help them transition to college and achieve their academic and personal goals.

    Mentoring Matters provides students with a sense of community and aids in college completion and career readiness. In addition, the program provides opportunities for students of different backgrounds to learn from one another through shared experiences. 

    Contact us on Mentoring Matters
  • ExCEL Awards

    The Excellence in Collegiate Education and Leadership (ExCEL) Awards recognize College of Charleston students, staff, faculty, and community members recipients for their commitment to creating a campus environment that promotes diversity and excellence.

    The Office of Multicultural Student Programs and Services presents ExCEL Awards in numerous categories including Outstanding Students of the Year, Outstanding Faculty of the Year, Outstanding Staff, Specialized Awards, and Presidential Legacy Awards.

    ExCEL Award nomination criteria and forms are available through the Office of Multicultural Student Programs and Services Hub site.

     

    Visit the MSPS Hub Site for Info
  • Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation

    The Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation provides mentoring and summer-research opportunities for students from underrepresented populations (African American, Hispanic, Native American, and Pacific Islanders) who want to pursue a degree in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines offered from the School of Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering.

    The Office of Multicultural Student Programs and Services helps fund the program along with additional funding from the National Science Foundation and College of Charleston School of Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering.

     

    Learn More About the LS-AMP
  • Multicultural Graduation Celebrations

    mulit-cultural-grad-celebration.jpgJoin us as we celebrate the academic achievements of our Asian-Pacific Islander, African-American, Hispanic/Latinx, and LGBTQ+ and Ally graduates.

    Multicultural Graduation Celebrations take place in May prior to commencement exercises and include recognition of achievements, photo opps, and  distribution of culturally-signficant graduation stoles.