Tenzin Dawa Thargay:  Student Speaker at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Commencement 2018

To watch and listen to Tenzin's speech, open this link:

Tenzin Dawa Thargay, first generation child of a Tibetan refugee family from West Roxbury, MA earns dual degrees in political science and Chinese language and literature. He has also earned a public policy and an International Scholars Program certificate.

Your CMASS family congratulates and thank you for all that you have contributed to our community.

Tenzin Dawa Thargay will forever be a part of our CMASS & UMass family.  Tenzin became connected to CMASS during his NSO session when Chona Lauyan, Assistant Director for CMASS reached out to a young man looking for connection.  The CMASS professional staff have had the privilege of seeing the growth and development of a 21st Century Leader [affirmed by him being awarded this prestigious honor that recognized,  along with 9 outstanding fellow graduates,  their exemplary leadership skills in our global community].   He has demonstrated his leadership capacity throughout his career at UMass.   Read more...

Allen Tan is Gerald F. Scanlon Student Employee of the Year 2018! 

To watch Allen's nomination video, open this link

The Center for Multicultural Advancement and Student Success (CMASS) is proud to congratulate Allen Tan who earned the Gerald F. Scanlon Student Employee of the Year Award for 2018 recognizing him for his work as the CMASS Creative IT Specialist. Allen was presented the award by Chancellor Kumble R. Subbaswamy and Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Enku Gelaye. Allen has worked at CMASS for the past four years.

Allen began his CMASS role by designing flyers for events. He produced high-quality advertising quickly and efficiently well before his deadlines. He quickly displayed his interest, dedication and commitment to the mission of CMASS by taking on the unofficial role of our one-man public relations team. He brought students to the Center whom he knew would benefit from the programs and services that we offer. Read more...

CMASS Holds Eighth Annual Senior Recognition Reception

By Lisa Ladas, Collegian Correspondent
April 30, 2018
Filed under Archives, Campus News, News, Scrolling Headlines
 

Originally published in the Daily Collegian, https://dailycollegian.com/2018/04/cmass-holds-eighth-annual-senior-recognition-reception/

The Center for Multicultural Advancement and Student Success’s 8th Annual Senior Recognition Reception took place at the University of Massachusetts on April 28, with a crowd of over 200 people.

The ceremony recognized students and faculty in the Campus Center Auditorium. Seniors leaving CMASS were encouraged by faculty, family and friends with advice. The ceremony started with emcee Oscar Collins, the interim co-director at CMASS. Collins made a welcoming speech and thanked the CMASS faculty and staff of 45 for their outstanding contributions to students’ lives in planning the annual senior recognition. Following his speech was a luncheon and a slideshow, showing pictures of CMASS graduating seniors.

Collins said this event is primarily to honor all seniors graduating that have been affiliated with CMASS. “It’s a great way for the community to come together and celebrate the achievements of students of color on this campus,” he said.

Tenzin Dawa Thargay, a senior political science and Chinese Language & Literature double major, was the student keynote speaker. He became aware of CMASS through Chona Lauyan, the Assistant Director of CMASS.  Read more...
 

 

‘Pathological Taco Ballers’ Claim Victory in UMass Amazing Race’s Return to Campus

By: Wei Cai ‘20

Team ‘Pathological Taco Ballers’ featuring members, Tyler Movsessian, Dan Kimmit and Mike Kim were awarded first place at Friday night’s competition. 

AMHERST – Nearly 130 participants between 43 teams, clad in neon pink t-shirts, competed in the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Amazing Race. After taking place in downtown Amherst last semester, the race’s Friday night return to campus sought to foster team building, problem solving and camaraderie. Read more

 

MXCC Hosts Third Annual Afro-Hair Braiding Competition

By: Wei Cai '20

AMHERST – With first place on the line, three hair braiders sought to win over judges and spectators at Malcolm X Cultural Center’s (MXCC) third annual Afro-Hair braiding competition. In under three hours, contestants would transform three models’ hair styles – all while educating the community.

The contest – held on March 23 from 5-9 p.m. – promoted awareness and increased education on braids and the cultural values they represent... Read More

 

Cultural Appropriation vs. Cultural Appreciation (And Sushi!)
By:  Daniel Smith for YKCC

AMHERST - On the evening of March 21st, students, faculty, and staff gathered in the basement of Worcester Dining Commons for a night of discussion, learning, and sushi.

The event, put on by the Yuri Kochiyama Cultural Center (YKCC), was titled “Cultural Appropriation vs. Cultural Appreciation,” and looked to inform on the differences between the two phenomena while also teaching about Japanese culture and history and the importance of sushi.The YKCC invited the chef in charge of sushi at Worcester Dining, Anthony Jung, to speak on Japanese history and culture and teach those present how to make traditional Japanese sushi. Jung worked at both the Berkshire and Hampshire Dining Commons before being promoted to Chef de Cuisine to look over both the Worcester and Franklin Dining Commons in 2014.  Read more...

 

The Valley Jazz Network presents:  Jazz Music and Social Change:  A Conversation & Concert featuring Toshi Reagon, Christian Scott and Helen Sung
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
7-10   pm
Conversation at 7 pm.  Performance to follow at 8:30 pm
Old Chapel Great Hall
Free admission but tickets required.  Fineartscenter.com
More info:  www.valleyjazznetwork.org

Through their work, musicians often focus or dedicate their talent on giving voice to civil rights and social change, strengthening the breadth and depth of social activism. On April 3rd, the Valley Jazz Network hosts JAZZ MUSIC AND SOCIAL CHANGE a Conversation & Concert creating a public platform for sharing and understanding how some artists use their talent to forward social issues and contribute a positive impact on society. At the table will be three world-class musicians: renown activist, lyricist and singer Toshi Reagon, trumpeter Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, and Asian American pianist Helen Sung..  Read more...

 

CMASS Celebrates Cultural Appreciation with Braids Event

By Le Tran
March 8, 2018
Originally published in Diversity Matters

On March 6, the Malcolm X Cultural Center hosted Braids—an event that discussed the history of braids and headwraps along with cultural appreciation versus appropriation—as part of a series of events intended to promote cultural appreciation. The series is organized by the Center for Multicultural Advancement and Student Success (CMASS), and it supports the CMASS mission of sharing cultural expression and pride.  Read more

Community-Building  Dinner Aimed to Promote Empowerment During Black History Month

By Lisa Ladas, Collegian Correspondent
February 28, 2018
Originally published in the Daily Collegian
Filed under Archives, Campus News, News

A community-building dinner was hosted by both the Malcom X Cultural Center and Center for Multicultural Advancement and Student Success Wednesday night, Feb. 28, aiming to encourage collaboration and empower student leaders.The event sought to promote diversity on campus

The annual dinner is titled the Black Heritage Month Community-Building Dinner, and each year, it attempts to promote diversity on the University of Massachusetts campus. According to Chan Kim, the cultural events coordinator for CMASS and sophomore economics major, the main goal of the dinner is to have a diverse group of students come together, “promoting collaboration and empowering student leaders to build solidarity.” Read more...

Lisa Ladas can be reached at lladas@umass.edu.

 

Share Your Truth Series 2018

Come and join us  to share your story and share it with others in an inclusive space for diverse abilities, interests, and creative styles and mediums.  Self-expressions could be poetry, spoken words, song, music, dance and others.  Here are the dates and locations:

Josephine White Eagle Cultural Center
Friday, March 30, 2018
7-9 pm
Chadbourne Hall, B-3, Lower Level

Yuri Kochiyama Cultural Center
Friday, April 13, 2018
7-9 pm
Worcester DC, Lower Level

Through this program we strive to showcase talent, intellect and lived experiences to promote understanding and inclusion. Both locations are physically accessible.  If additional accommodations are needed, please contact aduchon@umass.edu 2 weeks in advance.Questions?  Call: 413-545-2517 or email cmass@stuaf.umass.edu.  Refreshments provided!  Sponsors:  Disability Services and CMASS

CWC and CCPH Start First Gen Support Group Following Connection-Conversation Event

By: Wei Cai' 20
February  2018

AMHERST – The Center for Women and Community (CWC), in conjunction with the Center for Counseling and Psychological Health (CCPH), at the University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomed students of all backgrounds on Tuesday night at their first generation college student event.

The event – which promoted connection, discussion and conversation – was held to gauge the needs of first generation students, and to kick off a series of support group sessions. Read More

 

Black Heritage Month Community Building Dinner
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
5:30-7:30 pm
Amherst Room, Campus Center, 10th Floor

RSVP to chankim@umass.edu on before February 21, 2018.

Black History Month is  dedicated to celebrating the contributions of African Americans and their influences on American history.  This year, the Malcolm x Cultural Center will host a Black Heritage Month Community Building dinner where students, faculty and staff are invited to celebrate identities and communities over table conversations.

You are invited! 

Get Out and Talk it Out
By:  Olivia Laramie '18
February 8, 2018

On Wednesday, January 31st, students gathered to watch the Oscar nominated film, Get Out, with the UMass Racial Justice Coalition. The event, titled “Get Out and Talk It Out” was orchestrated to discuss the impacts of racism on individuals and communities at UMass. Students, faculty, and staff alike came together to watch the film and were treated to pizza, popcorn, and drinks.

The Film
Get Out, written and produced by Jordan Peele, was advertised as a horror film and for the first few minutes appears to be just that. Within the first few scenes though, it is apparent that the film is more than just another film and is, in fact, an expose on racism in America. In an interview with National Public Radio, Peele discussed what the social impact of the story. "It was very important to me to just get the entire audience in touch in some way with the fears inherent [in] being black in this country," Peele says. "Part of being black in this country, and I presume being any minority, is constantly being told that […] we're seeing racism where there just isn't racism.  Read more...

 

Cultural Appreciation Series 2018

Following on the mission of the CMASS’ cultural centers of “advancing cultural expression and pride” this program seeks to encourage participants to identify respectful ways to appreciate culture by examining history and participating in the traditional way of making a spiritual symbol, preparing food, styling hair or learning about the history of a holiday.

Hawaiian Lei
Monday, February 12 from 7-9 p.m. at Josephine White Eagle Cultural Center (JWECC) in Chadbourne Hall Room B-3

Sushi Rolls
 Wednesday, March 21.   Event will be held at Yuri Kochiyama Cultural Center (YKCC) in Worcester DC

Braids
Tuesday, March 6 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Malcolm X Cultural Center (MXCC) in Berkshire DC (lower level).

Cinco de Mayo
Wednesday, April 4 from 7- Event will be held at Latinx American Cultural Center (LACC) in Hampden DC, 2nd floor

Grad School Preparation: Seek help with the Graduate School Application Process!
Wednesdays- Starting February 7, 2018
12:15-2:15 p.m.
Wilder Hall 102- Wheel chair accessible

It is never early to start thinking about graduate school. Read more...

 

 

 

Each One Reach One Mentoring Program 2018-19

A cohort of 20 students is supported by a Graduate Assistant Mentor Coordinator through individual and hands-on workshops addressing:

 

•  Graduate application timeline
•  Standardized tests
•  Personal statements
•  Research/internship opportunities
•  Identity awareness
•  Navigating graduate school
  Read more...

Student Care Supply Closets

 

Student Affairs and Campus Life now operates five Student Care Supply Closets across campus to provide free toiletries and household items to students who are facing economic insecurity and/or an unexpected financial emergency. Our hope is that access to these items will help students facing difficult decisions about every day expenses. 
Read more..

 

Let's Talk
Thursdays, 1:00-2:00pm
Wilder Hall, Rm. 102

When something’s bothering you, talking about it is often the first step toward a solution. Now, there’s an informal, convenient, confidential way to get insight and information – “Let’s Talk.”

The new program offers free, friendly drop-in sessions with counselor consultants from the Center for Counseling and Psychological Health (CCPH), at locations around campus. “Let’s Talk” isn’t formal counseling or mental health treatment. It’s a chance to briefly share what’s on your mind, find support, and get recommendations. No topic’s off-limits! Facilitators are  Christian Smith and Jennifer Muniz-Rodriguez.

Check other meeting schedules in other locations here...

 

Chat with Student Trustee  Derek Dunlea
Mondays, 12:15-1:30 pm
Wilder Hall, Rm. 005

Student Trustee  Derek Dunlea, a junior political science and economics major, is at CMASS in Wilder Hall on Mondays to discuss some student concerns, local and national news, sports or just any topic. Find out what a student trustee does!

 

 

Ask a Lawyer Anything!
Thursdays - Started February 1st
12:00-2:00 pm
Wilder Hall 005
 

Come and talk to one of your lawyers from the Student Legal Services Office  and have your questions answered!

 

 

FAFSA  Help Days @ CMASS
Thursdays, 2:15-4:30
Rm.005, Wilder Hall

Come and meet with a Financial Aid Counselor and get answers to questions that you might have about your FAFSA.  The FAFSA personnel is at CMASS every Thursday to assist you.  Don't miss out on this opportunity!

FAFSA Extra Hours

Every first Thursday of spring,  from February 1  Until  April 5, all students, families and the community members  can come to consult with a Financial Aid Counselor for assistance and FAFSA help.

 

Connections in Color
Every Thursday
4:00-5:00pm
Wilder Hall, Rm. 102

Connections in Color is a group where students of color can find their UMass Voice by participating in discussions regarding academic and social pressures of being a student of color at  UMass. Topics vary from mental health and wellness, improving self-esteem and confidence, building and improving relationship and so much more.

Confidentiality is highly observed

 

Educ202:  Intergroup Dialogue - Let's Talk Across Differences

For more information, please visit the course website at https://people.umass.edu/educ202-xzuniga/ or email us at umassdialogues@gmail.com.

EDUC 202 is  a 4-credit Gen. Ed. (SB) (U) course that offers students the opportunity to engage in conversations about issues of difference, identity, and community. In diverse, small groups, students will explore differences and commonalities as well as examine and address contentious issues using dialogic and collaborative methods.

Sections meet on Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. and also for a one-day class retreat on Saturday, February 24th from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The course runs for 11 weeks: beginning on Thursday, February 1st and ending on Thursday, April 19th.

 

EDUC 202 is co-sponsored by the Center for Multicultural Advancement & Student Success (CMASS).

Yuri Kochiyama Cultural Center
SPRING 2018 Programs
Success Coaching - Thursdays, 1:00-5:00 pm
Study Hours - Tuesdays - 1:00-5:00 pm

SAVE The Date!
Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Month
'Night Under the Stars Dinner Gala'
April 26, 2018
6:30-8:30pm
Amherst Room, 10th Floor, Campus Center

May is Asian-Pacific Islander American Heritage Month (APIA Heritage Month)– a tribute to the generations of Asians and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America’s history and are instrumental in its future success.At UMass Amherst, the Yuri Kochiyama Cultural Center celebrates APIA Heritage Month in April and warmly invites faculty, staff, and students to celebrate  this momentous period with  a dinner gala  to share conversations on identifying common values to promote collaboration and building community. Topic will also touch on exploration into Asian and Asian American activism.

Dress code:  semi-formal.  Co-sponsor:  Center for Multicultural Advancement & Student Success

Share Your Truth Series 2018
Yuri Kochiyama Cultural Center
Friday, April 13, 2018
7-9 pm
Worcester DC, Lower Level

Come and join us  to share your story and share it with others in an inclusive space for diverse abilities, interests, and creative styles and mediums.  Self-expressions could be poetry, spoken words, song, music, dance and others.  Through this program we strive to showcase talent, intellect and lived experiences to promote understanding and inclusion. Both locations are physically accessible.  If additional accommodations are needed, please contact aduchon@umass.edu  two weeks in advance.

Questions?  Call: 413-545-2517 or email cmass@stuaf.umass.edu. Refreshments provided!  Sponsors:  CMASS and Disability Service

History of New Celebrations

Lunar New Year is celebrated among a vast distance of people and cultures. It has evolved into an array of a variety of colors encapsulating different ideals and traditions. Join the brothers of Pi Delta Psi in a discussion of rich history and food! February 21 from 7-9PM

Malcolm X Cultural Center
SPRING 2018 Programs

Success Coaching - Mondays - 1:00-5:00pm
Study Hours - Thursdays - 1:00-3:30pm

Black Heritage Month Community Building Dinner
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
5:30-7:30 pm
Amherst Room, Campus Center, 10th Floor

RSVP to chankim@umass.edu on before February 21, 2018.

Black History Month is a dedicated to celebrating the contributions of African Americans and their influences on American History.  This year, the Malcolm x Cultural Center will host a Black Heritage Month Community Building dinner where students, faculty and staff are invited to celebrate identitties and communities over tablle conversations.

 Lisa Ladas, '18 wrote  an article about the Black Heritage Month Community Building Dinner.  Please read here.
Cultural Appreciation Series:  Braids
Tuesday, March 6, 7-8:30

This series seeks to encourage participants to identify respectful ways to appreciate culture by examining history and participating in the traditional way of engaging with culture that may be different from their own.

Le Tran published an article on the Cultural Appreciation Series:  Braids.  Please read here...

 

Afro-Braiding & Hair Cutting Contest
Friday, March 23, 5:30-9:00pm

Registration deadline:  March 2, 2018
Register @: mxcc@sacl.umass.edu

This annual cultural engagement program seeks to celebrate Afro hair braiding and cutting tradition/custom.  Participants will have 3 hours to work on models’ hair and present their designs to a panel of industry judges.

Contestants will be judged on creativity, subject matter, use of materials, technicality, and originality.

We are also seeking 3-5 hair braiders and 3-5 hair cutters (barbers) who are students of UMass and other schools in the Five College area! Students are highly encouraged to assume these roles!
During the competition, audience will enjoy participating in  trivia activities, and  watching films to learn about the history of hair braiding, hair care techniques, and products.  Refreshments provided.  Questions?  Text to  413-883-4219  (serious inquiries only), or @mxccumass on instagram .

Wei Cai, webwriter for the CMASS website wrote an article about the Afro Braiding & Hair Contest.  Please read here...

Latinx American Cultural Center
SPRING 2018 Programs
Success Coaching - Tuesdays- 1:00-5:00 pm
Study Hours - Tuesdays - 6:00-8:00pm

Bi-Weekly Trivia at the LACC
Every other Thursday
6:00 pm
3/1, 3/29, 4/12, 4/26

Test and enrich your knowledge of Latin American countries.  Trivia questions will focus on the history, customs, traditions and geographical location of a specific Latin American country.  On the final day of the event (4/26), all questions are thrown together and randomly picked as final questions.  One group of participants will be crowned Bi-Weekly Trivia Champion at the LACC.

Bi-weekly raffles will be drawn and prizes will be awarded to participants.  Trivia questions and answers will be posted on the LACC Facebook after each event to allow participants to collect trivia questions/answers and prepare for the final night.

Cultural Appreciation Series: Cinco de Mayo
Wednesday, April 4, 5:30-6:30 pm

This series seeks to encourage participants to identify respectful ways to appreciate culture,  explore history and bust existing myths associated with events as in the case of  Cinco de Mayo. Invited guest, Prof. Luis Marentes, will share his perspective on this event.

This is  a chance to participate in the traditional way of engaging with culture that maybe different from one's own.

Everyone’s welcome.  Refreshments provided

Josephine White Eagle Cultural Center
SPRING 2018 Programs
Study Hours - 1:00-5:00 pm

Share Your Truth Series 2018
Josephine White Eagle Cultural Center
Friday, March 30, 2018
7-9 pm
Chadbourne Hall, B-3, Lower Level

Come and join us  to share your story and share it with others in an inclusive space for diverse abilities, interests, and creative styles and mediums.  Self-expressions could be poetry, spoken words, song, music, dance and others.

Through this program we strive to showcase talent, intellect and lived experiences to promote understanding and inclusion. Both locations are physically accessible.  If additional accommodations are needed, please contact aduchon@umass.edu 2 weeks in advance.

Questions?  Call: 413-545-2517 or email cmass@stuaf.umass.edu.  Refreshments provided! Sponsors:  Disability Services and CMASS

Beading Project
Tuesdays 7:00-9:00 pm

Awaken your inner creativity and learn to create Native art using beads.  Materials and tools provided!  All are welcome! Stop by and enjoy!

 

 

Success Coaching
Wednesdays 1:00-5:00pm

Cultural Appreciation Series: Significance of the Lei in Hawaiian Culture
Monday, February 12
7:00-9:00 pm

Our  mission is to advance and encourage cultural expression and pride.  We share means for  participants to identify respectful ways to appreciate culture by examining history and participating in the traditional way of making a spiritual symbol, preparing food, styling hair or learning about the history of a holiday.

Create your own Hawaiian Lei and learn the meaning of this wonderful cultural practice.  Lei materials provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Enjoy Hawaiian-inspired refreshments.

To see more photos of the lei making, open here...

 

Harvard Medical School 14th Biomedical Science Career Conference 2018
Saturday, April 7, 2018
7am-6pm
Westin Hotel Copley  Place, Boston, MA

APPLY NOW!  Application form

Students must send and complete an application to  Willie Pope in Rm. 203 Wilder Hall no later than Friday January 26, 2018 (please email and/or Willie Pope  -wjp@umass.edu- for application form).

Free transportation provided for interested students. Space is limited! There are 36  seats available  Read more..

Grad School Preparation:  Seek help with the Graduate School Application Process!
Wednesdays- Starting January 31st, 2018
12:15-2:15 PM
Wilder Hall 102- Wheel chair accessible

It is never early to start thinking about graduate school.

• Come and talk with our graduate assistant, Ghida EL-Banna, about the graduate school application process and have your questions answered:
• Application timeline
• Personal statements
• Studying for GRE
• Getting GRE/Application waivers
• Asking for letters of recommendations

If you cannot make it to the drop-in hours, email gelbanna@sacl.umass.edu to schedule an appointment.

Each One Reach One Mentoring Program 2018-19
A cohort of 20 students is supported by a Graduate Assistant Mentor Coordinator through individual and hands-on workshops addressing:

•  Graduate application timeline
•  Standardized tests
•  Personal statements
•  Research/internship opportunities
•  Identity awareness
•  Navigating graduate school

Students are expected to complete at least one graduate school application.
Interested?  Application is on a rolling basis. Complete the mentee application by:  https://www.umass.edu/cmass/each-one-reach-one-mentoring-application.  Send a copy of your unofficial transcript and resume to Wilma Crespo at  wcrespo@umass.edu.. Interviews and acceptance notifications will be conducted accordingly.

Get Out & Talk It Out
Wed. Jan. 31, 2018, 6: 00pm
Cape Cod Lounge, UMass Student Union

You are invited to  join the Racial Justice Coalition for a great night of viewing and engaging discussion about Get Out,  the acclaimed academy nominated best movie of 2017 by Director Jordan Peele.

Come with friends and have robust conversations while sharing a box of delicious popcorn about your thoughts, ideas, beliefs and reactions to the movie.  GET OUT has been described by writer and director Jordan Peele as a "social thriller". The film explores themes of racism and identity through the lens of a horror movie. The discourse following the film will explore questions /concerns of racial inequity and the trauma of being black in modern society.

Refreshments provided! Venue is wheelchair accessible!

So come to TALK IT OUT about GET OUT