Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896
March 29, 2024

OMA open house celebrates multiculturalism

By EMMA ROALSVIG | September 15, 2016

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COURTESY OF TIFFANY MARTINEZ Diversity & Inclusion and the Center for Student Success staff members collaborated to create a safe space for multicultural students.

Campus offices in the area of Diversity & Inclusion and the Center for Student Success held an open house in Homewood Apartments on Sept. 8.

Incoming and returning students were welcomed to campus by the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA), the Center for Student Success , LGBTQ Life, the Interfaith Center (IFC) and The Office of Gender Equity (OGE).

Annalise Setorie, the assistant director for programming at OMA, coordinated the event.

“All of our areas promote inclusion and educate on issues of multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion,” Setorie said. “We want to be a safe space for students and also a brave space where we can challenge them.”

Jamie Riley is the associate dean for diversity and inclusion. This new office encompasses many departments including LBGTQ Life, OGE, OMA and Campus Ministries. He felt that the open house helped create a sense of community.

“[At this open house] students can come learn about how they can get involved and connect with others,” Riley said. “Our one main goal is to help students be part of a community.”

The open house introduced students to the resources that these organizations offer, while letting them meet administration from the departments in an informal setting.

In the courtyard, students could design henna tattoos, get caricature drawings and enjoy popcorn, iced snowballs and cotton candy. Inside, administration ran tours of the offices and LGBTQ Life organized a coloring activity.

Students were welcome to walk through the building and stop in and chat at any of the offices they found interesting. Pamphlets, buttons and other resources advertising each of the five student offices were set out on a table in the OMA hallway, while catered food and gaming systems were made available for students.

Annalise Setorie coordinated the event. She is the assistant director for programming at the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

“All of our areas promote inclusion and educate on issues of multiculturalism, diversity, and inclusion,” Setorie said. “We want to be a safe space for students and also a brave space where we can challenge them.”

John Rawlins III, the assistant director of leadership development in OMA, was excited to share with students what these offices have planned for the upcoming year.

“Some new exciting things are happening. Some of these areas are brand new to campus. What better time of the year to get together to see what’s new on campus to see old friends and meet new ones,” Rawlins said.

All five organizations focused on the availability of resources and information, as well as the importance of fostering a sense of student community and providing a safe space for communication.

Director of LGBTQ Life Demere Woolway emphasized the support, education and advocacy within their undergraduate group DSAGA and the STEM-focused oSTEM.

“I hope students build new connections and gain valuable resources,” said Woolway.

The Center for Campus Ministries is home to campus’s 25 religious groups. From daily activities to weekly services, the Interfaith Center is open to people of all faith traditions or of no faith at all.

University Chaplain Kathy Schnurr commented on the importance of the open house.

“This event is a really important opportunity for students in the campus community to be in this space together to get resources and strengthen existing relationships,” Schnurr said.

Students who attended the open house were impressed with the amount of information made readily available to them. Junior Giuliana Rivera appreciated the effort made to emphasize inclusion, diversity and equality.

“I think it’s important to have these resources available, so that everyone can feel included and have a sense of belonging” said Rivera.

Senior Elli Tian enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere and the free food.

“I’m part of the culture groups on campus, but I’ve never actually been down to see the OMA Office before. Actually being able to come out and see the organization of the office was cool. Also the food. There’s a lot more going on than I thought,” Tian said.

Setorie was enthusiastic about students using the resources offered to them and even recommended that students come to the building’s lounge just to hang out or study in a safe and welcoming environment.

“We hope that students come visit our spaces and learn more about us,” Setorie said. “We have an ‘Open-Door Policy,’ so if our door is open, students can always come in and chat.”


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