Cultural Awareness
Throughout the year, OMSA collaborates with a number of University offices and culturally-oriented student organizations to increase awareness around diversity issues and the concerns of students of color. Among these resources and events are:
- OMSA Allocation Board
The purpose of the OMSA Allocation Board is to provide support to programming efforts by the University's cultural recognized student organizations (RSOs) that are consistent with the mission of OMSA. The Allocation Board reviews proposals submitted for OMSA funding. The Board currently consists of nine students actively involved in cultural RSOs and it is directed by Mary Vander Kinter, Associate Director of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. - Black History Month Resources
African-American Women in the Civil Rights Movement: Perhaps frequently overlooked, African-American women made specific contributions that powerfully invigorated this movement.
Black History Month Events: Events throughout the University and city. - César Chávez Commemoration Day
In conjunction with M.E.Ch.A., a recognized student organization, OMSA honors César Chávez, with a keynote speaker and various culturally geared performances in April. - Conversations on Race & Ethnicity (CORE)
CORE is a quarterly forum on racial, ethnic, and cultural identity. Here, students are able to have a candid facilitated discussion about their identities with other students. The discussion usually begins with an exercise to stimulate conversation. - Cultural Outings
The cultural outings, which take place each quarter, are designed to connect University of Chicago students with the various ethnic events available in Chicago. - Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
This annual weeklong celebration, which takes place in January, honors the message of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a keynote speaker and artistic performances. - PanAsia Festival
OMSA and PanAsia (the name shared by both the series of events and the student organization) lead the University in celebrating Asian/Asian American heritage with an entire month of programs ranging from workshops and identity forums to film screenings and lectures. The festivities traditionally begin in April or May. - RSO Cultural Show Marketing
Each year, OMSA publicizes the cultural shows staged by the University's cultural recognized student organizations (RSOs). This is done in the form of a poster which is professionally printed and then distributed to RSOs, the campus, and the community. For this year's cultural show poster, please click here.
