ALANA
ALANA’s (African American, Latino American, Asian American and Native American Identities) mission is to foster an overall inclusive, comfortable, and supportive environment and awareness of diversity through education and engagement, while working collaboratively with other student organizations within the Assumption and Worcester Consortium Community.
At Assumption, you'll be encouraged to stretch your worldview and participate in activities and groups that offer valuable insight into other races, ethnicities, and religions.
The ALANA Network is a student-run group that meets weekly during the academic year to plan and promote student and community activities. The Network seeks to foster an overall inclusive environment and awareness of diversity among its members and the entire Assumption University community. It also strives to educate and engage the Assumption community through various activities such as; multicultural events, panel discussions, weekly meetings, lectures, performances, etc
The Network works collaboratively with other student organizations within the Assumption community as well as student organizations in the ALANA Support Network Consortium. In addition, we honor a faculty member with the ALANA Diversity Award, given to recognize those who demonstrate sensitivity to diversity issues, a commitment to treating all students fairly and incorporating different cultural perspectives into his or her course material.
Pre-Orientation Program
COMPASS Connections began its inaugural year in the fall of 2019. The purpose of the COMPASS Connections at Assumption University is to provide opportunities for connections between first-year students and upper-class students, through a three-day residential program for ALANA students. The program is designed to help create a sense of belonging, and to acclimate students to university life prior to New Student Orientation and the start of classes. The program impacts students by providing them with a preview of the Assumption University experience where academic and social success is at the heart of what we do.
WINGS (Women Interested in Networking, Gathering, and Solidarity)
WINGS provides female students of color an opportunity to meet and build community with other students and staff of color. Students participate in discussions with outside guest speakers, and seek advice and guidance on issues pertinent to women of color. We seek to empower young women of color to explore and engage in the Assumption University community, think critically about their role in the surrounding community, and become informed citizens of the world.
PALMS
PALMS (Positively Achieving Leadership by Men in Society) provides male students of color an opportunity to meet and build community with other students and staff of color. Students participate in discussions with outside guest speakers, and seek advice and guidance on issues pertinent to men of color. We seek to empower young men of color to explore and engage in the Assumption University community, think critically about their role in the surrounding community, and become informed citizens of the world.
Black Diaspora Student Union (BSU)
Assumption University’s Black Diaspora Student Union is a group of Black and African American students seeking to support and enhance the Black student experience reflective of Assumption's mission for a more diversified campus. Primarily serving Black students (that identify within the Black diaspora), the BSU's mission is to address student concerns to ensure that all are succeeding. The organization promotes dialogues regarding issues that the Black student community faces by engaging in outreach programs and providing leadership opportunities for the next generation of Black students.
Annual Events
The University hosts a number of events throughout the academic year to celebrate and develop a greater understanding of the life experiences of all students. These include student forums, guest speakers and other education and awareness efforts to ensure that all students, regardless of race, gender or sexual identity, know that they are valued members of the campus community. Those events are complemented by the below annual events:
Annual Observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Each year, the University community pauses to reflect upon and remember the remarkable life and contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Recently, Dr. Joyce McNickles, a social justice educator and consultant with over 25 years of experience developing and executing comprehensive cultural competency, racial equity, and inclusion initiatives in academic, corporate, and non-profit settings, shared with students the relevance of Dr. King’s message and work in today’s contemporary culture.
President's Welcome Dinner for International and ALANA Students
Each fall, President Cesareo, a first-generation student, hosts a welcome dinner for ALANA and International students and their faculty advisors. Attendees enjoy a delicious meal, while participating in table activities that allow for participants to get to know each other better.
