Multicultural Student Center welcomes students with reception

For the 29th year in a row, the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Multicultural Student Center (MSC) welcomes students to campus with an evening of dancing, networking and sharing connections.

The Multicultural Orientation Reception (MCOR) includes cultural performances, an academic and multicultural student organization resource fair, reception and social dance. The event, which typically attracts more than 1,000 new and returning students, takes place from 6 p.m.-1 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 3, at the Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St. Activities are free and open to the campus community.

MCOR fosters a welcoming community by bringing together new and continuing students of color and providing resources to enhance university community connections. It gives students an opportunity to meet and make friends and build relationships with faculty and staff as they begin their academic careers. Ten campus departments and student organizations sponsor the event.

The evening kicks off with an Academic and Support Service Resource Fair at 6 p.m. in the Union Theater lobby. Students can also network with faculty, staff and other students while learning about campus groups at the Reception and Multicultural Student Organization Fair, catered by the Wisconsin Union, from 9-11 p.m. in the Great Hall.

At 7 p.m., the Multicultural Performance Showcase sets a festive tone with performances, cultural dances and music reflective of various cultural traditions and experiences. Scheduled performances include the University Gospel Choir, student Dakota Alcantra-Camancho, jazz music by The Angela Wellman Trio, RePlay, Rhythm Per Second, African Students Association, and the UW School of Bhangra.

Finally, DJ Jarius King spins at a dance in Tripp Commons from 11 p.m.-1 a.m. hosted by the diversity coordinators of University Housing.

Since its inception, the Multicultural Student Center has been committed to providing academic and cultural resources and co-curricular activities that are essential in supporting the holistic development of students of color as they strive toward the achievement of educational goals.