The Center for Multicultural Advancement and Student Success (CMASS)
has been in existence for two and a half years. During this time the staff has had the pleasure of
engaging with and assisting some of the most phenomenal students on campus. More than a
multicultural center, we strive to create a community where students feel supported and comfortable
sharing and learning from each other. CMASS is a place where customs, ideas, talents, fears and
aspirations can be expressed, shared and celebrated.
One example of this culture of sharing are the Community Building Fridays. This program brings
students and staff together in a relaxed, non judgmental atmosphere with fun activities like jewelry
making. What makes this event a community building activity are the conversations it stimulates.
Participants are encouraged to use this forum to discuss any issue with a staff or the group. In
talking with each other, there is enormous potential to strengthening relationships, which promotes
growth in our community.
Think about a time you wanted to leave campus or a time you decided to join a student group.
Most likely, it was a relationship that influenced your decision to stay, join an organization, or start a
community project. It is the relationships with your friends, significant other, roommate, advisors,
mentors, peers and family members that motivate you to persist and keep reaching your goals.
Relationships are a source of support, and guidance that also provide a space for self-care.
As individuals it is our responsibility to nurture relationships so our connection to community grows
stronger. In a recent visit to campus, Lee Mun Wah suggested that we need to develop a genuine
curiosity about someone or something in order to start building a relationship. I think all of us can