Minority Student Affairs and Cultural Diversity
B-101 University Union 724-738-2700

The Office of Minority Student Affairs and Cultural Diversity is a comprehensive office that assists with the educational, cultural, social and personal needs of ethnic minority students. The primary focus of the office is to develop leaders and scholars. It encourages exposure to the cultural richness found within color, gender, national origin, creed, lifestyle and sexual orientation. The staff advocates educational growth and development of ethnic minority students. Retention and personal enhancement programs are instituted for ethnic minority students to promote academic success and professional development.

The Personal Excellence Program (PEP) is a comprehensive effort to address minority student retention through programmatic efforts. Services that fall under the umbrella of the Personal Excellence Program are:

Black Action Society (BAS)
Black Action Society is a student organization that focuses on the academic, social and cultural development for African American students. Black Action Society also seeks to educate by providing programming that fosters a broad inclusion of diverse populations.

Board of Governors Student Mentor Program
The Board of Governors Student Mentor Program consists of minority students who have been awarded the Board of Governors Scholarship. Upper class Board of Governor and volunteer mentors who meet the general criteria and have completed the appropriate training workshop will mentor freshman recipients.

Building Bridges Program
This program provides a diverse group of student participants with training and practical experience in conducting panel presentations to classes and other groups for the purpose of increasing knowledge about difference. All students are encouraged to participate in this unique program.

Community Service Opportunities
The office identifies community service opportunities for students to consider.

Fraternities and Sororities/National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)
The purpose of African-American heritage fraternities and sororities at Slippery Rock University is to encourage academic success, social and cultural interaction, and to provide service to the campus and local community. NPHC organizations that have been represented on campus include Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alpha Phi Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Omega Psi Phi, Zeta Phi Beta, Phi Beta Sigma and Kappa Alpha Psi.

International Student Affairs
Through this office services are provided for international students, their spouses and children: admission and orientation programs, immigration information and assistance, the processing of paperwork (e.g. visa and passport renewal, extensions of stay, work permit, I-20’s) host family programs, and personal, social, cultural and academic counseling.

Junior Mentor Program
Upperclassmen are employed through the office to work with incoming freshmen and transfer students in a peer support relationship.

Junior Mentors receive ongoing supervision and training on interpersonal skills.

Junior Mentor Program - Study Group
To help improve study habits and assist in the creation of a community of learners the Junior Mentor Program has established study groups in the Cultural Center for students who want a quiet place to study. Study groups are supervised by Peer Mentors who are also Junior Mentors.

Latino Student Organization (LSO)
The Latino Student Organization provides programs for the Latino-Hispanic population at Slippery Rock University. The Latino Student Organization’s mission is to educate and provide the campus community with a better understanding and appreciation of Latino-Hispanic culture and heritage.

Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Allies (LGBA)
Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Allies was created to provide an opportunity for personal growth and education regarding alternative lifestyles and to extend an opportunity for social interaction among members of the gay, lesbian and bisexual community and others. LGBA also provides support for concerned individuals regarding alternative lifestyles and the group seeks to enhance the relationships between gay, lesbian and bisexual communities and the Slippery Rock University campus.

Native American Student Association (NASA)
Established to investigate the history of indigenous people, correct myths about European invasion, to develop spiritually, honor ancient ways and Mother Earth and to promote peace and respect of all people.

Personal Support
Staff members of Minority Student Affairs & Cultural Diversity follow up with minority students in regard to academic and personal concerns.

Residence Hall Early Intervention
This is a reporting system to get information and referrals from Residence Hall Directors to assist students who have adjustment issues.

Sister 2 Sister/Brother 2 Brother Program
Sister 2 Sister and Brother 2 Brother are support organizations for women and men of color. Both student groups are open to faculty and staff, and meet to discuss topics, including goal setting, personal relationships, academics, scholarship, networking, politics, health, family and community issues.

Student Development Opportunities
Opportunities for students to refine their skills through hosting programs, introducing featured speakers, participating in student lectures, co-presenting workshops and more.

Student Development Seminars
Seminars are identified and/or presented throughout each semester to provide students with valuable techniques and knowledge about study habits, multiculturalism, volunteer opportunities career exploration, the power of positive thinking and more.

The Excel Mentor Program
A minority alumni mentor program for Junior Mentors.

The Student Union for Minority Affairs (SUMA):
The “umbrella’ mother organization for all minority student organizations on campus. Seeing the need for the unity of all students on the campus of Slippery Rock University, with a particular emphasis on appreciation of diversity.

Religious Organizations and Places of Worship
Students may find worship, fellowship and other religious experience opportunities through the following groups:

Local Churches
All Saints Lutheran Church
Center United Presbyterian Church
Church of the Epiphany (Episcopal)
Church of the Nazarene
Congregation B’Nai Abraham (Jewish)
Grace Tabernacle (Assembly of God)
Highland Presbyterian Church
Latter Day Saints Branch
Newman Center (Roman Catholic)
St. Peter’s Church (Roman Catholic)
Christian Missionary Alliance Church of Slippery Rock
Slippery Rock Baptist Church
United Methodist Church of Slippery Rock
Zion Baptist Church
Mount Olive Baptist Church of Grove City

Campus Organizations
All Saints Fellowship
Athletes in Action
Campus Crusade for Christ
Coalition for Christian Outreach
New Life Fellowship
Newman Club
Orthodox Christian Fellowship
SRU Gospel Choir
Christian Bible Rap Sessions

A directory of these and other area worship congregations is available courtesy of the Newman Center at 724-794-8459.

Catholic Campus Ministry at SRU is operated through the Newman Center, located at 342 Normal Avenue (across from Old Main), which is owned and operated by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh. An outreach center to the university community, the Newman Center offers open hospitality, including rooms for study, relaxation, meetings, worship and programming. It aims to be a place of education, of fellowship, or prayer and of faith formation. While welcoming individuals regardless of religious affiliation, Catholic Campus Ministry particularly seeks to support and nourish SRU’s Catholic students, faculty and staff as they strive to live their faith in the context of university life. The Newman Center is currently staffed by Rev. James L. Armstrong, D.Min (Director), Mrs. Diane Magliocca (Campus Minister). For more information regarding Mass schedules and ministry programs, call 724-794-8459.