Multicultural Programs
In support of the primary mission of Cornell University to create a more inclusive community, Multicultural Programs, within the Office of Student Services in the School of Hotel Administration, is responsible for providing programs that enhance the successful recruitment, retention, and graduation of African American, Native American, Latino, and Asian American students, and all students in general. Multicultural Programs:
- Provides developmental opportunities for students to become inclusive, culturally competent, as well as effective leaders in their interpersonal relationships with family and friends, careers, communities, and the hospitality industry.
- Engages in research and assessment of programs that creates an inclusive campus environment that emphasizes respect for diversity and pluralism in all forms.
Multicultural Programs strives to help students become:
Action-oriented, Culturally Competent, Creative, Empathetic, Ethical, Honest, Informed, Optimistic, Patient, Proactive, Self-disciplined, and Trustworthy.
Multicultural Programs works to help students develop and refine the following skills:
- The ability to analyze, synthesize and utilize information to their leadership roles in their families, careers, and communities.
- The organizational and interpersonal skills to implement their knowledge.
- The ability to be inclusive, not by being an expert on all cultures, but by having a general knowledge and respect for different and varied perspectives, and by being able to consider and include these differences in all aspects of students’ lives.
- The ability to think critically; neither to manipulate when communicating nor to be manipulated.
Multicultural Programs offer the following services:
- Advice and referrals for academic, personal, and financial concerns.
- Tutorial assistance and referrals.
- Student advocacy in arenas that impact multicultural students.
- Networking opportunities with Hotel School alumni of color and hospitality industry professionals.
The Assistant Director of Multicultural Programs at the School of Hotel Administration works closely with faculty and staff members to assist students during their years at Cornell University and serves as the representative for the Hotel School on the Committee on Special Education Projects (COSEP). He also serves as the advisor to the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality, Cornell Chapter.
The National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH) is a student-run organization with more than forty collegiate chapters nationwide. The organization was co-founded in 1990 by four Hotel School students. The NSMH provides students with a support network of peers, both locally and nationwide, who focus on enhancing their academic and professional growth.
Contact Multicultural Programs
Multicultural Programs
Curtis Ferguson, ll
180 Statler Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York 14853-6902
Office Hours
Monday—Thursday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Appointments
Make an appointment by calling 607.255.3676.
Walk in appointments are sometimes available.
+ What is COSEP/OMEA?
Cornell's Committee on Special Educational Projects (COSEP) of the Office of Minority Educational Affairs (OMEA) consists of representatives from the seven undergraduate colleges and other administrative offices who provide student support services. COSEP/OMEA focuses on ensuring the success of students from underrepresented ethnic groups, and students admitted under the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) and Educational Opportunities Program (EOP) programs.
+ How is the Hotel School's Office of Multicultural Programs linked with OMEA?
The Office of Multicultural Programs in the Hotel School is one of the college-based offices responsible for monitoring and facilitating the educational experience of the university's multicultural student population. Each office works closely with OMEA to attain their mutual goals.
+ Who is eligible for the Office of Multicultural Programs services?
Students who are Asian American, Black or African American, Latino or Hispanic American, and Native American and who have United States citizenship or who are permanent residents are eligible for services from the central OMEA office (100 Barnes Hall). The Hotel School Office of Multicultural Programs primarily serves the above-mentioned groups, but it welcomes all Hotel School students who wish to inquire about any services provided in the Hotel School.
+ Does the Office of Multicultural Programs give scholarships?
No, the Office of Multicultural Programs is not responsible for awarding scholarships, although it does assist students in their search for outside funding and frequently receives information from outside sources to distribute to students in the Hotel School.
+ How do I take advantage of the services offered by the Office of Multicultural Programs?
Just stop by the office at 180 Statler Hall!