Vol. 20 No. 4
The Office of Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement works collaboratively across the Cleveland State campus to advance diversity, increase programming and activities that build a diverse campus community, and support social and academic success in the diverse student population.
Throughout the semester, it has hosted various workshops, discussion groups and book readings to help students from a wide range of cultural backgrounds explore strategies for promoting inclusion in a multicultural environment.
Lunch & Learn sessions have also been held in the Pratt Center allowing students to have a free meal while learning about various topics and tools they can use to help them throughout their college career and beyond.
The fall programs included time management, professor etiquette, test taking, budgeting, stress management and studying abroad.
Despite intriguing topics, event attendance fluctuates and the reason for it isn’t clear. “I do think location does play a factor,” Pratt Center employee MaryAnn Dowell said.“If we were in a more open space, we’d probably get more traffic, versus having to give people directions on how to get here.”
The Pratt Center is located in Rhodes Tower, RT 1201. Students often go to Rhodes Tower to meet with professors, unaware of the other student resource centers located there.A table consisting of flyers, a miniature game wheel and even a bowl of candy can be seen in the Student Center InnerLink where students can sign up to attend events in the Pratt Center.
Employees hand out hot cards to students on event days. Hot cards are also in various locations across campus, and email blasts go out to students to keep them updated about upcoming events.
Dowell noted that the Pratt Center receives the most traffic during spring semester when it hosts more service projects and events rather than school oriented subjects.
The center hosted the Hispanic Festival, Link Mentor and Mentee luncheon, and the Women of Color Foundation luncheon have also taken place this semester.
Cleveland State student Shajuana Gaston who has attended events at the Pratt Center. Gaston said on Nov. 13 that she has gained a lot of knowledge about college life from the presentations.
“I’ve sharped skills like time management and study skills,” she said, “things that college students actually need.”
Gaston also said that not only has she found the information from the Lunch & Learns helpful, but that it is a way for her to meet new people.
Contact the Pratt Center for more information about events, discussions, and luncheons in spring semester at 216 687 9394, or its website at csuohio.edu/imediversitycalendar.