Mission

The Community and Belonging 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 systemic barriers. .

Vision

To build a university community where all students, especially those with marginalized identities, thrive.

MSC + Pride specifically work to center and uplift students who identify as Black, African American, Indigenous, Native American, Hispanic, Latine/x/a/o, Asian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern & North African, multiracial, or mixed heritage; LGBTQIA2S+ students; students who practice marginalized religions and international students.

• Community & Belonging Leaders

  

  The Community and Belonging Leaders (C&B) are student leaders and advocates who help UAA Multicultural Student Center thrive and grow. They are dedicated to promoting belonging, celebrating identities, building meaningful relationships, and educating the campus community.. Their success is often seen through the many collaborative projects between Multicultural Student Center and staff/student groups. C&B Leaders also work with First-Year Experience during winters and summers to develop and facilitate programming and orientation. 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 Multicultur Student al 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. MSC 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.

• Connect Events

   

  

  Many of our programs through Community and Belonging 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 C&B 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.

• Multi-faith and Low Stimulation Spaces

   

  

  MSC's mission includes supporting students who practice marginalized religions by promoting belonging through education, naming observances, and creating safe spaces throughout campus. 

  The first multi-faith space on the Anchorage campus is located inside of MSC in Rasmuson Hall 106B and was supported by our student body government, USUAA. Community & Belonging Leaders have lovingly developed the multifaith prayer and meditation initiatives to create safe, peaceful environments for our community. 

  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.

• Academic, Engagement, and Advocacy Scholarships 

  

  Community and Belonging 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, and our centers strive to recognize and celebrate that. This initiative seeks to award student facilitators and leaders for the engagement and work at MSC and beyond. Check out our Ella Baker Anti-Racism and Collective Liberation Award and the Marsha P. Johnson Scholarship for Community Advocacy and Liberation each Fall semester!