Welcome to Hamline University and the MISA Office!!! · have an International Student Orientation. International Student Orientation International Student Orientation is required

The Newsletter for Hamline University’s Center for Multicultural and International Student Affairs

Editor: Melissa Wilson New Student Edition

Welcome to Hamline University and the MISA Office!!!

We hope that you are getting excited about your first year at Hamline University. Hamline has a great deal to offer you and will undoubtedly excite, challenge, reward and enrich your life. In addition to the many other academic and student support services, we hope that the Center for Multicultural and International Student Affairs (MISA) can play a vital role in helping you make the most of your Hamline experience. In our attempt to complement and supplement your collegiate experiences and support networks, our mission is quite simple: “to support, assist, empower, and promote the success of students of color and international students at Hamline.”

Our first two programs of the year begin at the end of August. International Student Orientation begins on Wednesday, August 20 and Student of Color Orientation begins on Thursday, August 21. These programs have proven to be extremely important for students, so we encourage you to take full advantage of these in order to have the best start possible at the university. You will meet and become acquainted with key university resources, services and personnel, including faculty and staff and other new and returning international students and students of color.

Throughout the school year, you will continue to receive flyers, newsletters, invitations and mailings about MISA events, programs and services. The staff would also like to personally invite you to the office so that we can meet and talk a little about your goals, dreams and aspirations. We would also like the opportunity to tell you more about our services and learn more about you.

MISA is located at 1475 Hewitt Avenue. Our doors are always open during office hours, Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. If you would like to make an appointment to talk about anything, just stop by, call (651-523-2423) or e-mail us at [email protected].

We look forward to meeting you, hearing about your experiences and finding out how the office can be supportive as you pursue your degree at Hamline University. For more information on the MISA Office, our services and programs, please visit our website at www.hamline.edu/misa.

Carlos Sneed, Assistant Dean/ MISA Director Carlos provides administrative, visionary, budgetary and programming leadership for the office. Carlos supervises staff, advises students and coordinates Social Justice Symposium, Parent Council, Safe Zone Program, HU-CORE, Safe Zone Network, NCORE Network, and other campus diversity programs. Carlos advises Multicultural Alliance, PRIDE Black Student Alliance, and Commitment to Community.

Vanessa Ramos, Coordinator of International Student Programs

Vanessa is responsible for coordinating World Fest, Inter-national Student Orientation, and other programs that will assist students in transitioning to the university and to the U.S. She advises the International Student Organization and the International Graduate Student Association.

Melissa Wilson, Administrative Assistant Melissa is responsible for receptionist, secretarial, adminis-trative, and project support for the MISA Office. She helps staff with projects, programs, and general administration of the office in addition to publishing and editing the Voice and Vision newsletter.

Kevin Barta, Interim Coordinator of International Programs Kevin will be responsible for assisting the Coordinator of International Student Programs with events and planning during the 2008 Fall Semester.

Alba Romero, Associate Director of International Student Services

Alba is responsible for providing immigration advising and related paperwork assistance to international students while they are living and studying in the U.S. Alba coordi-nates workshops and programs to help students acclimate to the U.S. and Hamline University.

Bao Thao, Associate Director for Multicultural Student Programs Bao is responsible for coordinating programs and services to help students of color succeed. She coordinates Student of Color Orientation, Student of Color Retreat, co– ad-vises the Student Mentor Program, and advises the Hmong Student Association (HSA).

Student of Color Retreat “Relax, Relate, Release”

This annual off-campus, overnight retreat is one of the most anticipated events of the year. Sponsored by student-of-color organizations and MISA, the goals of the retreat are to provide you with an opportunity to: interact and have fun with other students; strengthen relationships between student organizations and communities of color; develop and share strategies for succeeding at the university; learn more about other cultures; and continue networking, advocating for and supporting each other. All expenses paid. September 19 - 20, 2008

Global Connections Retreat “Connecting Cultures and Communities” This overnight retreat is open to all CLA international students and other students who are interested in: having fun and expanding their circle of friends; learning about other cultures present in the U.S and abroad; developing relationships between the different cultures and communities; and becoming more familiar with campus issues, resources and services. communities. All expenses paid. September 26 - 27, 2008

World Fest Held during the fall semester, World Fest celebrates, recognizes and increases awareness about the many cultures on campus. Highlights include the International Bazaar, the World Dance Party, and a Fashion and Cultural Show. November 3 - 8, 2008

“This is My Story” Series This monthly discussion series invites members of the community to share their personal stories about their ra-cial and cultural identities and jour-neys. We explore issues of discrimina-tion and oppression, racial justice, cross-cultural alliances, reconciliation and specific issues facing different communities. Held Monthly.

MISA Mentor Program

This initiative matches new first-year students with upper-class students in a “buddy program” that helps new students acclimate and transition into the university community.

Hamline Conference on Race & Ethnicity (HU-CORE)

Don’t just sleep in late during Fall Break, attend this off-campus conference aimed at helping students examine issues of race and racism, address stereotypes and prejudices, learn how to interrupt and educate about racism, and build stronger, healthier relationships and communi-ties. October 23-24

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. University Commemoration

This programs offer members of the Hamline community an opportunity to reflect upon, examine and recom-mit to Dr. King’s philosophy and legacy. Members of the Hamline community sing, share stories and poetry, offer testimonies and chal-lenge each other to incorporate King’s mission into our lives. January 20, 2009

Social Justice Symposium The symposium, held during the first week in April, seeks to educate members of the University commu-nity about social justice issues that affect our campus, local and national communities. March 30 - April 3, 2009

MISA Awards Banquet The purpose of this event is to rec-ognize, celebrate and inspire student success in academics, service and leadership. The program includes awards in each of these categories and an address from a graduating senior. In addition, awards are given for Outstanding Faculty, Staff and Multicultural Ally. The “Barbara Simmons Eagle Award” is the highest award given to a student who has succeeded in all three categories. April 30, 2009

Hispanic Heritage Month September 15 - October 15, 2008

African Heritage Month October 2008

Hmong Month Celebration November 2008

Black History Month February 2009

Asian Heritage Month April 2009

Native American Awareness Week

TBA

Student of Color Orientation

Hamline University offers Student of Color Orientation (SOCO) to help students get acclimated to campus; develop a support network with each other and upper-class students; build relationships with key faculty and staff; and learn about important campus resources that will aid in your success. Although all new students experience transition issues when coming to the university, students of color often have unique experiences and concerns related to developing support networks, finding important resources and services and getting acclimated and accustomed to the campus community. We have developed SOCO to address these needs and concerns. Although Hamline University is a welcoming, supporting environ-ment, the fact remains that we are at a predominantly white univer-sity with a small but growing multicultural population. Recogniz-ing that students of color are in the minority on campus, we want to make sure we do everything to welcome, support and promote the success of students of color. In addition to this orientation, we also have an International Student Orientation.

International Student Orientation

International Student Orientation is required of all new international students enrolled in the College of Liberal Arts. This orientation helps new students acclimate and get settled into U.S. culture, Minnesota and Hamline, while also helping students understand the many cultural traditions and differences they may face while in the United States. Students also have an opportunity to meet new students, hear about important resources and services and develop a strong support system with U.S. and international students. Studying, living and working in the United States can be very different from what international students are familiar with. International Student Orientation, other international students and the MISA staff is here to support and assist you in this transition.

Student of Color Orientation and International Student Orientation are not meant to segregate, isolate, penalize or stigmatize students. However, these programs are designed to help you succeed academically, socially, culturally and personally at Hamline. In our orientations, we arm you with information, resources, services and opportunities to help you make the most of your stay at Hamline University. While ISO is mandatory, SOCO is your choice, but we believe it is in your best interest to attend. Other than a couple days, what do you really have to lose?

If you have any questions, please contact us at (651) 523-2423 or [email protected].

“The Student of Color Orientation(SOCO) for me was what helped me come out of my shell. As a quiet person it takes a long time to warm up to people and SOCO helped me meet many of my close friends I have now. The great experience I had at SOCO is why I help each year with SOCO to make sure incoming first-years and transfer students have just as good an experience as I had.”

- Ebony Baggett (‘08)

“The entire orientation was an exciting and excellent way to get acquainted with Hamline and the people who would soon become my company at the cafeteria, vacation-traveling buddies and eventually my closest friends. It was amazing to meet so many people from all over the world.” - Pablo Sanchez (‘07)

“The Student of Color Orientation was a great experience because I got to meet my fellow peers and the upper-classmen too. It gave us a different set of resources that we could go to when needed and it allowed students to create friendship with the many new freshmen that are entering Hamline. The orientation helped me gain some of the most

impressive friendships here at Hamline, and motivated me to be a part of the campus, the student organizations, and MISA.” - Teng Lor (‘09)

“International Student Orientation program was a marvelous experience that I would recommend to all new students. It is one of a kind and the information I acquired from the numerous activities we undertook has helped me adjust to the Hamline University culture.” - Koome Kirimi (‘08)

Hello, and welcome to Hamline University. Although I understand that the first semester of college can be very overwhelming to many, there is absolutely no better time to get involved on campus. As the President of FUSION, a multiracial student association, it is my pleasure to tell you more about this community of Hamline students, in hopes of getting you interested and involved. FUSION was founded to connect and support the growing population of multiracial students at Hamline University. The need for more multiracial awareness can be seen in a broader image; for example, the 2000 census allowed Americans to mark more than one race to describe themselves. Around seven million people were described as multiracial in that census. In Minnesota alone, 1.4% of the population marked two or more races in the 2000 Census. It is estimated that by 2050 more than 75 million Americans will identify with more than one race. Three years ago, FUSION also tackled the issues and awareness of trans-racial adoptees, which are people who are adopted by parents of different races. We found that people who are trans-racial adoptees have very similar experiences to those of multiracial students. Our main goal is to develop a

sense of community for multiracial and trans-racial adoptees on campus. Other goals include increasing knowledge of who multiracial and trans-racial adoptees are and dispelling myths associated with our groups. In the past we have achieved these goals by holding panels, discussions and movie nights open to everyone on campus. Each year we also bring in local hip-hop artists to play at our FUSION hip-hop potluck; an event which is always a blast. I hope you will consider joining FUSION to help raise awareness about multi-racial and trans-racial adoptees issues and to make the community of FUSION stronger.

Welcome to Hamline University! We, the members of the Hispanic and Latino Organization (HALO), would like to give you a warm welcome to the University by inviting you to attend our meetings and upcoming events. HALO is an organization that focuses on teaching about Latin America as well as Latinos in the United States in a fun way that allows people to see the diversity of the countries as well as the unify-ing culture. We are hoping to make HALO a strong and fun organization this year, a place where anyone who is interested in the Latino culture can enjoy themselves and learn. Our first meeting will be the 4th of September at the MISA office. We look forward to seeing you at the meetings and at the events for Hispanic Heritage Month. We have many fun events in store such as the kickoff which will include delicious food from Latin America as well as an educational fun event with entertainment from the different Latin American countries. The events are open to the public and everyone is en-courage to join. Check out our Facebook group (http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=2337912957) for a more detailed schedule as well as for news and other information. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to email us. We look forward to seeing you! - Loren Alfaro; [email protected], Leah Stodieck; [email protected] Ana Espitia; [email protected]

The Asian/Pacific American Coalition (APAC) is an advocacy organization that strives to support the Asian/Pacific American community but also to educate and raise social awareness about Asian American history, culture, and tradition to everyone. We also work to promote multiculturalism and diversity on the Hamline campus and beyond. Every spring, we coordinate Asian Heritage Month. Recent events have included Kimchi & Mashed Potatoes: The Adoption Experience intended to educate people about the experiences of interracial adoptees, Ghost story night in the haunted Manor Hall of Hamline, and the Asian Dance & Drum Festival which featured professional performers from the community. APAC has developed relationships with other MISA organizations and continually strives to strengthen them through programming and events. We try to balance our meetings between education, planning, and fun and pride ourselves on our welcoming and inclusive community. - Koree Ahn (’10); President; [email protected]

Aadaab, Kuzu zangpo, Namaskar, Kihineh, Namaste, Assalamualaikum and Ayubowan! Now you know how to say ‘Hello’ when you travel to any country in South Asia. Welcome to Hamline University and the Students Of South Asia (SOSA). First and foremost, let me dispel a common misconception: SOSA is not a group for South Asian students alone. SOSA, in fact, has a reputation of bringing together and engaging Hamline students from all corners of the world and the USA, by organizing events and activities in hopes of increasing awareness and understanding of the South Asian countries, and at the same time having a lot of fun. The annual Hungama Night is a very popular event and we get a great turn out each year. It is held in the beginning of the year, hence it is a great time to meet new people, and at the same time enjoy awesome music from around the world and dance the night away. Obviously, a South Asian experience in incomplete without food…mmm.. spicy food! Yes, all our events have great food and music too. SOSA promises to sizzle Hamline with global attentiveness, entertainment and food this year. Come join us as we celebrate South Asia. Needless to say, you are always welcome to our meetings and events. I look forward to meeting you soon!

- Amrit Sharma (‘08), President; [email protected]

Welcome new students. The Hmong Student Association (HSA) here at Hamline University is a student organization that works to educate, promote, and share the Hmong Culture, traditions, and history with the campus and community. HSA has been established since 1995 and has developed in its mission a goal to critically and actively address issues in the community beyond the boundaries of Hamline University at the same time bringing into Hamline the broad concerns of the community that exist outside the walls of this campus.

During the month of November, HSA hosts our annual Hmong Month in which we hold events that focus on sharing the Hmong Culture, traditions, and History. Events that are annually held are our Game Night, Spooky Night, Art Festival and Keynote Speaker. At the end of the month, we celebrate by bringing everyone together for our Hmong New Year Dinner. We encourage anyone who is interested in learning about a different culture to join or take part in HSA.

- Jesada Moua (’10), President; [email protected]

PRIDE BSA was founded 38 years ago when a group of Black students attending Hamline University realized the need for a student organization that was sensitive to the unique experiences and situations of African American students on a predominately white campus. They named their new organization Promoting Racial Identity, Dignity, and Equality (PRIDE): a mission that they took very seriously. They were involved in addressing the needs of Black students at Hamline and promoting diversity throughout the campus. In 1999 in the efforts to better achieve goals, the organization was renamed PRIDE Black Stu-dent Alliance (PRIDE BSA). PRIDE BSA is more committed than ever to supporting, fos-tering, education, and promoting Black and African students at Hamline University. Though the organization’s primary purpose remains enhancing the experiences of Black and African students at Hamline, membership is open to all Hamline undergraduate students.

- Paris Richardson (‘10), President; [email protected]

Welcome to Hamline University. I want to introduce you to our International Student Organization (ISO). The goal of ISO is to support issues of internationalism at Hamline University. We plan events to get international and non-international students together, to network and form alliances with other Hamline Organizations and other college communities as possible. We understand that many of you live off campus and have very busy schedules, but being involved in ISO has its benefits. Every year we host the BAHAMA-MAMA as part of our WorldFest Celebration. Please feel free to email or if you see me around campus, don’t be afraid to talk to me. Thank you for coming to Hamline, and I hope to see you this year at our meetings or events. - Roberto Kuo (’10), President; [email protected]

Welcome to Hamline University! The Hamline African Students Association (HASA) is a student organization on campus that is committed to promoting diversity at Hamline. The mission of the Hamline African Student Association (HASA) is to create a forum where Africans and others can come together and openly discuss issues concerning Africa and Africans, while educating the University and the community at large about Africa and its many rich cultures and values. We also nurture the passion in students to pursue social justice issues confronting our immediate communities and our fellow Africans. This academic year looks promising and we as a group would like to achieve our goals and enhance the campus with our events and enthusiasm as we forge together in unity to fulfill one dream! Have a great school year and see you at our meetings!

- Alexa Alemayehu (’08), President; [email protected]

The Hamline American Indian Student Society (formally known as NASA) is an organization meant to represent students of American Indian descent. It is a way for students to connect to their diverse cultures while empowering them through events and activities. HAISS also hopes to educate the larger Hamline community about American Indian issues, culturally and politically. Make sure HAISS is one of the organizations you truly look at. Being a part of HAISS doesn’t mean that you are just part of the community. You become part of the growing Native family full of love, empowerment, encouragement, caring, and tradition. - Jennifer Fairbanks (‘10), President; [email protected] 

Hamline Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) was established for the expressed purpose of educating young people to the realities of Tibet and translate awareness into action. Students for a Free Tibet supports the movement of a free Tibet through the university setting and educates students, faculty, and the staff of the community on the culture and concerns of Tibet.

SFT’s mission is to educate young people to the realities of Tibet and translate awareness into action through nonviolent political, economic and social campaigns. SFT works with a coalition of peace and social justice, interfaith and human rights organizations to accomplish its goals and foster dialogue and understanding within our global community.

Some of our events in the past were: SFT’s National Conference in California, Keynote speaker, Michael Dunham, movie nights, and campaigns on various key issues. Please come and join us as we will continue to hold such events and more. - Jampel Ritzekura (‘10), President; [email protected]

Asian Pacific American Coalition TBD

FUSION TBD

Hamline African Student Association TBD

Hispanic and Latino Student Organization Thursday, September 4th; 4:00 PM MISA Office

Hmong Student Association Thursday, September 4th; 11:30 AM Manor Main Lounge

International Student Organization Wednesday, September 12th; 7:00 PM Student Center

Hamline American Indian Student Society TBD

PRIDE Black Student Alliance Tuesday, September 2nd; 7:00 PM PRIDE House

Students of South Asia TBD

Students for Free Tibet TBD

For more information on these organizations, stop by the MISA Office or visit them at the Campus Activities Fair on Thursday, August 28th at 4:00 PM on Old Main Mall.

The Mentor Program promotes a sense of community among students of color and international student and new students transition successfully into Hamline. New students are paired with upper-class stu-dents who serve as mentors, guides and resources. There are many advantages to participating in the mentor program:  

As a Mentee:

• Personalized guidance and friendship during the first

year of university life.

• Experience and knowledge about how to be a successful

college student.

• An inside take on academic resources, co-curricular

activities, and the social life at Hamline University.

We are always looking for bright, talented students to serve as mentors in our program as well as new student participants. If you would like to find out more information about our Mentor Program contact the MISA Office.

Contact Vanessa Ramos ([email protected]) or Bao Thao ([email protected])

As a Mentor:

• Increased knowledge of campus culture, climate, resources

and services.

• Gain more confidence and esteem.

• Develop competence in navigating the university. 

Multicultural and International Student Affairs

Hamline University 1536 Hewitt Ave. #107 Saint Paul, MN 55104 651-523-2423 (phone) 651-523-2608 (fax)

IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS TO REMEMBER*

Campus Operator 523-2800 CLA Dean’s Office 523-2206 Dean of Students Office 523-2421 Academic Services 523-2088 Registrar’s Office 523-3000 Student Accounting 523-3000 Financial Aid 523-3000 Chaplain’s Office 523-2315 Safety & Security 523-2100 Campus Employment 523-2947 Counseling & Health Services 523-2204 Career Development Center 523-2302 Student Activities/ Student Center 523-2420 Service Learning & Volunteerism 523-2483 New Student Days/ Orientation 523-2420 Residential Life (Residence Halls) 523-2061 Bush Library Hours: 523-2373; Circulation (523-2374) ; Reference (523-2345) Computer Center 523-2700 Post Office/ Mail Services 523-2215 Multicultural & International Student Affairs 523-2423 * Area Code 651