Community and Belonging
Welcome students and community!
The Community and Belonging (Multicultural Student Services and Pride Center) team is deeply committed to supporting the needs of the many UAA student communities. Our department oversees two centers on campus and a number of programs that are dedicated to fostering culturally diverse community engagement. MSS and the Pride Center celebrate the cultural assets of students with marginalized identities and work to transform societal barriers to build a campus community where all students can thrive as their full authentic selves. We strive to challenge societal norms through collective impact and a justice-equity centered approach.
We look forward to getting to know you and co-creating a more equitable UAA community together. We hope you will join us in sharing your traditions, successes, passions and dreams. We also hope you join us when you have something to work through or need a listening ear. Stop by for a warm cup of coffee, a place to find connection, or just to take a look. Check out one of our social events! We host regular socials and educational events throughout each semester.
In community,
The MSS + Pride team
- Multicultural Center Resources
MSS includes a dedicated space and programs that foster culturally diverse community engagement. The Multicultural Center, RH 106, is a safe and brave space for all members of the UAA community to explore racial and cultural identity in a non-judgmental atmosphere.
Our space and resources are open to all students, staff, faculty and UAA community.
- Lounge and study area
- Computers and printers
- Laptops for students to check out
- Library of books on numerous social justice topics
- Multifaith Prayer Room and Low Stimulation Space
- Community information and resources
- Coffee maker, water kettle, refrigerator, and microwave
- Affiliated club storage
- Pride Center Resources
This center seeks to affirm, uplift, and engage those who identify as LGBTQIA2S+ and allies The Pride Center is a safe and brave space for all members of the UAA community to explore gender identity and sexual orientation in a non-judgmental atmosphere.
- Our space and resources are open to all students, staff, faculty and UAA community.
- Lounge and study area
- Library of books on LGBTQIA2S+ Topics
- Low Stimulation Space
- Community information and resources
- Coffee maker, water kettle, refrigerator, and microwave
- Crafting area
Visit MSS + Pride
Mission
MSS + The Pride Center team at UAA is committed to uplifting students with marginalized identities through fostering a sense of community and belonging, co-creating meaningful engagement for holistic student development, and transforming the cultural roots of systemic inequities.
Vision
To build a university community where all students, especially those with marginalized identities, thrive.
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Jedi Alliance (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion)
The JEDI Alliance is a cohort of student advocates and leaders at UAA Multicultural Student Services who are committed to the advancement of social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) at UAA. They are dedicated to promoting belonging, celebrating diverse identities, building meaningful relationships, and educating the campus community about JEDI. JEDI Alliance members meet on a biweekly basis, develop and facilitate programming, collaborate with staff and student groups, and are eligible for scholarship awards for their commitment. For more information contact Daniela Grijalva, dagrijalva@alaska.edu.
- Rainbow Initiatives
Rainbow Initiatives are UAA’s dedication of time, space and energy to our LGBTQIA2S+ community. Housed at our beautiful Pride Center in the Student Union, Rainbow Initiatives is the umbrella program that provides a space, events and programming to support the belonging, engagement and holistic wellbeing of our community members. We center, uplift and advocate for our queer/trans community at UAA so we can live our most authentic, successful and full lives here.
- Global Seawolves
The Multicultural Center is a social hub for all students on campus, but we specifically highlight and celebrate our community members who are here studying from abroad. Each year there are approximately 30-50 international students with an average of 25 countries represented.
All new international students are guided through their arrival and orientation experience. MSS and our partners facilitate opportunities to celebrate our global communities here in Anchorage. Students are invited to attend Global Seawolves social events and programs throughout the academic year.
- BIPOC Initiatives
Many of our programs through the Pride Center and the Multicultural Center are here to create opportunities for making new connections. We know that building a community and network of friends is critical to the college student experience. There is something in MSS for everyone regardless of your age, degree program and social identities. Take a leap and meet some new people outside of your classrooms. Join us for “Connect” events and various socials.
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Multifaith and Low Stimulation Spaces
MSS’s mission includes supporting students who practice marginalized religions by promoting inclusion through education, naming observances, and creating safe spaces throughout campus. The first multifaith space on the Anchorage campus is located inside of MSS in Rasmuson Hall 106B and was supported by our student body government, USUAA. Student leaders have lovingly developed the multifaith prayer and meditation initiatives. The Pride Center houses a “low stimulation” environment to provide additional quiet, non-stimulating locations for students who may need to take a break. These spaces are non-reservable and available for use when the campus is open. All are welcome to use this space for individual quiet contemplation, prayer, meditation, bereavement, and healing.
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Academic, Engagement, and Advocacy Scholarships
The Multicultural Center and Pride Center proudly facilitate various academic, leadership, art justice, and advocacy scholarships. There are many different ways to engage with our department through peer leadership and service contributions. This initiative seeks to award student facilitators and leaders for the engagement and work at MSS and beyond.
Find Your Community with Cultural and Identity-based Student Orgs
Cultural and Identity-based Student Organizations Support
MSS and The Pride Center enthusiastically support cultural and identity-based Student Organizations. Many student organizations seek out our centers for holding meetings, hosting events, and seeking adviser support. If you want your student organization to collaborate with MSS- stop by our centers and chat with staff about ways you want to be supported. Our current affiliations with Student Org Services (SOS) include:
- International Student Organization (ISO)
- Muslim Student Association (MSA)
- Kabayan Community (Filipino Org.)
- People of Oceania Association (POA)
- The Family (LGBTQIA2S+ Student Org)
- The Feminist Intersectional Rights Movement (The FIRM)
- ACLU of Alaska Action Network (Student org affiliated with the ACLU)
Our Team
Director of Community and Belonging
Email
smcaldwellkan@alaska.edu
- Favorite thing about MSS + Pride: MSS + Pride nurtures our need to connect and find community and inspires us to embrace all dimensions of ourselves.
- Favorite Activities: I love to be outside as much as possible. I find great enjoyment in learning new things and challenging people’s notions of what it means to be outdoorsy. I also love cyclocross and racing around on my bike, though I am not a particularly great racer.
- Rejuvenating Practice: To be honest, I love to read romance novels. There are so many beautiful stories of love in all forms, and I love that I can trust that a book will end positively.
Assistant Director for Community and Belonging
Email
dagrijalva@alaska.edu
- Favorite thing about MSS: Our abundant and ever-growing collection of Squishmallows and other cuddly creatures, which constantly enhance our welcoming community space!
- Favorite activities: Rollerblading with my roomies, frolicking in the mountains, and trying all the cool niche sports Alaska has to offer!
- Rejuvenation Practice: I love to light a candle and journal (word vomit) to help me identify all my thoughts and later make meaning out of them. I’m also a big proponent of naps!
- Contact for Jessi Saiki (they/them)
- Bio for Jessi Saiki (they/them)
- Highlights for Jessi Saiki (they/them)
Engagement and Belonging Coordinator, Pride Center
Location
Universtiy Hub, Lower Lever of the Student Union
Email
jmsaiki@alaska.edu
Jessi Saiki (they/them) is an artist, advocate, and UAA Alumni with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in handbuilt ceramic sculpture. They wrote their thesis on neurodivergence and art therapy. Jessi loves to do art, play video games, and spend time with animals. They also love to be active in the community attending and supporting the organization of rallies, protests and mutual aid efforts.
As an Engagement and Belonging Coordinator, Jessi supports the belonging of BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, neurodivergent identities and all the lovely intersections our identities can have. Jessi lovingly focuses on our Rainbow Initiatives, which supports and celebrates our LGBTQIA2S+ community through programs, events and awareness initiatives.
- Favorite thing about MSS: At MSS we have freedom to be fully ourselves and support to pursue social justice and envision a better future.
- Favorite animals: my favorite animals are cats, axolotls and japanese dwarf flying squirrels!
- Rejuvenating Practice: Journaling, spending time with my emotional support animals, going for a walk!