Embracing our differences through Multicultural Services
At Malone University, the Office of Multicultural Services (OMS) is dedicated to fostering a supportive community that celebrates cultural and racial diversity. By providing resources, support services, and educational programming, OMS aims to build and maintain a campus that is more inclusive of underrepresented American ethnic minorities and international students. Through initiatives that enhance academic, social, and spiritual growth, OMS enriches our entire community and upholds Malone’s commitment to kingdom diversity.
Our Mission
At Malone, we believe our differences are our greatest assets—that cultural and racial differences are valuable dimensions of our campus community, ones that enhance our learning environment and our ability to serve each other with Christian humility.
Our mission is to increase the number of students of color who achieve success at Malone University. To accomplish this mission, we strive to:
- improve the campus climate and academic environment for students of color
- develop and implement programming that educates and informs the Malone community on issues of diversity and inclusion
- provide services to students of color which will enhance their academic, social, and spiritual growth
- provide resources and educational programming to our campus community concerning Multicultural issues
Our Services
In addition to the relationships we build and programming we provide, OMS offers the following services:
- Maintain records for all international students for retention and SEVIS regulations while coordinating programs to ensure student success, safety, and retention.
- Serve and advise all students of color and multi-ethnic students in the areas of academic, social and spiritual growth.
- Collect and distribute information on opportunities of special interest to students of color, including scholarships, employment, internships, graduate programs and campus activities.
- Assist faculty and staff of color in finding a sense of belonging by collaborating with campus offices to sponsor speakers, workshops, and multicultural activities throughout the year.
Celebrations of culture and annual events
Hispanic Heritage Month
The national celebration of Latino culture kicks off each year between September 15 – October 15. Events which highlight the contributions, issues, culture, and music of our Latin brothers and sisters are presented to our campus and surrounding communities include Latin Fest, panel discussions, and diversity film series throughout the month.
Martin Luther King Jr. Week
Every January, Malone supports and sponsors events hosted by the Greater Canton Martin Luther King Jr. Commission. These programs honor the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Malone is a sponsor of the Martin Luther King Jr. Mayor’s Breakfast.
Black History Month
A national celebration each February, Black History Month focuses on the achievements, contributions, and experiences African Americans have made to American society. Our events throughout the month bring local and national leaders, performers, and artists to Malone.
A Look into Diversity: Issues of Social Justice
A Look into Diversity is a film series that shares perspectives of the diverse cultures in our society and throughout history using the medium of film and commentary. Our goal with this series is to increase awareness of social issues that impact a variety of cultures represented not only at Malone, but within the greater community. Providing diverse perspectives on social issues allows students to think, respond, and engage in conversation about complex issues in a manner reflective of Christ’s mission to love one another. Domestic and international films which tell a story, and commentary from a faculty, staff, or community leader with insight and knowledge of the film’s content, is presented so students have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss the film’s content.
Our Programs
Through programs such as SmartStart and Ubuntu, we offer resources, mentorship, and community-building opportunities to support the success and connection of African American students, those from ethnic minorities, and international students.
SmartStart Program
The SmartStart Peer Mentorship Program is designed to help first-year African American and international students become acclimated to the Malone community. Upperclassmen are selected and trained to provide incoming freshman students early exposure to University resources and other relevant information that will help them adjust during their first year at Malone.
Freshman students are provided with emotional, spiritual, and social support during their first year. We’ve especially prepared activities for students to enhance their holistic growth so they feel empowered to continue and complete their Malone education through graduation.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu focuses on community and relationship building from a Christian perspective. Our main focus is bridging the cultural gap between African, African-Americans and Caribbean-Americans. We also welcome the opportunity to learn about other cultures. Students are welcome to share their opinions on issues related to culture that span different ethnic backgrounds. Throughout the year, we offer small group discussions, SFO credit, and panel discussions and workshops.
Student Organizations
Multicultural Student Union (MSU)
Multicultural Student Union, open to all Malone students, coordinates multicultural programs which support the culture and ethnicity of multicultural students on our campus. The organization is committed to supporting students of color through group activities, planned events, and outings.
Malone International Student Association (MISA)
The Malone International Student Association offers students of all backgrounds the opportunity to learn about, explore and appreciate diverse cultures. Students plan and participate in activities and experiences that focus upon learning the history, practices and beliefs of diverse cultures while celebrating their own culture.
Diversity and Inclusion at Malone
The Diversity and Inclusion committee worked together to align a Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Planning process with Malone University’s mission, biblical principles, and educational goals. The committee drew guidance from Scripture, and Malone’s mission and educational goals, to lay the foundation for a Diversity and Inclusion Initiative.
Committe Members
- Andrea Ramsey, director of Multicultural Services
- David Hahn, professor of mathematics
- Linda Leon, director of the Office of Spiritual Formation
- Anna Meadows, director of the Center for Student Success
- Beth Postlewaite, associate professor of business
- Anissa Scott, academic advising coordinator
- Lora Wyss, professor of nursing
Mission Statement
Guided by Malone University’s mission statement and Foundational Principles, we recognize that God has worked throughout history to bless and redeem the world and create a kingdom composed of every nation, tribe, people, and language. Malone University, as a learning community committed to biblical principles, seeks to value and reflect the diversity in God’s creation. Therefore, we are committed to promoting inclusive excellence and furthering our understanding of diversity as we live out our mission and educational goals.
Diversity Definition
We recognize differences from multiple perspectives and provide opportunities for mutual excellence within the context of our Foundational Principles—drawing from Revelation 7:9.
Educational Rationale for Diversity
Increased diversity at Malone University and other colleges and universities will:
- Help faculty, staff, and students effectively communicate and interact across cultures
- Address changing demographics
- Provide different perspectives (critical to educating students, preparing them to succeed and serve in a multicultural, interdependent world)
- Enhance critical thinking skills of faculty, staff, and students
- Challenge all stereotypical thought processes
- Allow for institutional growth
- Increase our ability to provide a quality education to the campus community.