Office of Multicultural Affairs

Advocacy

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One of the OMA’s objectives is to support students when they have been treated unjustly with respect to their diversity at Columbia. Our primary role as advocates is to make sure that student concerns are heard and to help students determine what course of action is available to them to resolve their concerns.

Please contact a member of the OMA staff if you have a problem or concern that needs to be addressed. We are located in 510 Lerner and in the Intercultural Resource Center.

Multicultural Affairs Advisory Board (MAAB)

The Multicultural Affairs Advisory Board (MAAB) is a group comprised of a broad-representation of students from Columbia College, School of Engineering and Applied Science, and School of General Studies who work collectively toward continually enhancing the programs and services of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, evaluating the needs of our diverse undergraduate student population, identifying relevant campus issues, and promoting a campus environment of inclusion, self-awareness, intercultural engagement, and social responsibility. 

Applications are now available and due Wednesday, February 29th, at 5pm. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Criteria

  • Current student in CC, SEAS, or GS
  • Enrollment as a CC, SEAS, or GS student during the 2012-2013 academic year and will be in NYC (not studying abroad)
  • A student in good standing at Columbia University
  • Committment to diversity, social justice, and multiculturalism
  • Time and availability to fully participate in the MAAB orientation/retreat and monthly MAAB meetings
  • Willingness, openness, and commitment to be an ally to all communities on campus
  • Ability to advocate, organize, and follow-through on related projects and initiatives

Application Timeline

  • February 2012: Applications are available
  • February 29, 2012: Applications are due
  • March 2nd - March 9th: Interviews
  • Week of March 19th: MAAB Members Announced
  • April 2012: Advisory Board Member Orientation and Retreat
  • Fall 2012: Full launch of the MAAB

Bias Response Protocol

As members of Columbia College and the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, we share the University’s commitment to creating a learning environment free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. Unfortunately, we acknowledge that no campus community is removed from larger systemic issues, such as racism, homophobia, religious intolerance, sexism, and classism.

The Division of Student Affairs has worked with students and key administrative offices to develop a protocol, outlined in this brochure, responding to acts of hate and bias in our community in order to better create a safe and secure environment for all of our students.

Students who witness, hear of, or are victim to acts of bias and hate should immediately contact Public Safety at 212-854-5555. Once Public Safety is notified, the Bias Response Team, which consists of deans across Student Affairs, is alerted, and several steps are taken to respond to the needs of our community.

More information can be found in our Bias Protocol Brochure.

"Love Love. Hate Hate." Campaign

A partnership with New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and New York City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, this initiative brings the Love Love. Hate Hate. campaign to Columbia University. Mayor Bloomberg and Speaker Quinn launched the city-wide campaign, which celebrates diversity and condemns acts of hate and bias, in October 2010. Columbia is the first university to bring the campaign to its campus.

More information can be found in our "Love Love. Hate Hate." website.

Constituency Leaders Meetings

Constituency Meetings are hosted by the Office of Multicultural Affairs.  Constituency meetings provide an opportunity for various members of a specific social identity group to build community across difference and discuss issues of importance within their respective communities.   Constituency meetings occur three times a year and are open to faculty, staff, and students.  The OMA currently hosts constituency meetings for the Black, Latino, Asian/ Pacific Islander, Native, Arab & Middle Eastern, and LGBTQ communities at Columbia.