Mission

The mission of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs at Iowa State University is to provide comprehensive programming and services that promote the academic success and holistic development of all college students, with an emphasis on fostering an equitable and inclusive university experience. Our office is dedicated to helping Iowa State encourage and support an inclusive campus environment where students from diverse backgrounds can thrive academically and personally. Through education, advocacy, leadership development, and community-building initiatives, we aim to empower all students to succeed while recognizing and valuing the unique contributions and experiences of individuals, as aligned with the mission and goals of the University and Division of Student Affairs.

History

The Office of Minority Student Programs was organized at Iowa State University in 1973. In 1978, the name was changed to the Office of Minority Student Affairs and renamed the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs in 2004. The Multicultural Student Affairs Office offers a number of programs for incoming and current multicultural students at Iowa State. The Academic Program for Excellence (APEX) is a summer program designed to help incoming multicultural students prepare for college academics, the Carver Academy offers guidance and enrichment opportunities to its members, and the ISCORE (Iowa State Conference on Race and Ethnicity) project allows students to participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences focusing on racial and ethnicity issues. The Multicultural Student Affairs Office also provides support to multicultural students through leadership and job opportunities, scholarships, academic support services, and cultural centers, such as the Black Cultural Center and the Multicultural Center.