Programs & Resources

The Bridge Program (est. 1970)

Established in 1970 as a pioneering initiative for African American students entering Smith College, Bridge welcomes first-year students who demonstrate a commitment to creating and maintaining culturally inclusive communities. In 2020, the Bridge program received a Presidential Innovation Challenge Grant. 

Emergency Fund Managed by the Office of Multicultural Affairs (EFOMA) (est. 2001)

The Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) manages the Emergency Fund (est. 2001), dedicated to supporting students urgent needs, such as medical care, medications, and family travel, and emphasizing our commitment to student well-being.

Thriving in the Valley Resource Guide (est. 2012)

The Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) created the Thriving in the Valley Resource Guide to help Smith students feel more connected and supported by providing information about local cultural and multicultural events, resources, and services in the Five College community.Thriving in the Valley (PDF)

Multicultural Family Brunch (est. 2013)

The Multicultural Family Brunch is a celebratory gathering that brings together graduating seniors, their families, and guests to share a meaningful brunch experience in community before commencement. This event grew from an initial conversation into a collaborative partnership between the Unity Presidents’ Council and the Office of Multicultural Affairs. Alumnae Relations and Equity and Inclusion have served as past co-sponsors.

Community of Color Student Mixer (est. 2015)

The Smith College Community of Color Mixer is a lively event to kick off the fall semester, fostering connections within the diverse student community and inspiring a sense of pride and inclusion.

Multicultural Experience (ME!) Program (est. 2018)

The Multicultural Experience (ME!) program provides weekly student community engagement through holistic programming. The program's core components are Engagement with the community, Enrichment through cultural experiences, Exploration of wellness, and Education through advising and mentoring. These components work together to ensure that students receive comprehensive support for their personal and academic growth. In 2020, the ME! program received a Presidential Innovation Challenge Grant.

MwangiTalks E-Newsletter (est. 2018)

MwangiTalks is the Office of Multicultural Affairs’ weekly newsletter curated by the Mwangi Cultural Center student coordinators. Published weekly, it highlights upcoming events hosted by Unity organizations, OMA, and resources and programs at Smith College that particularly interests students. It also features student spotlights and community announcements, serving as a platform for students to stay informed and connected.

Mwangi Student Coordinators (est. 2018)

The student coordinator position offers Smith students a role in the successful operation of the Mwangi Cultural Center, which the Office of Multicultural Affairs manages. Student coordinators support the Assistant Director of Multicultural Affairs and help oversee the Center's activities, programs, and management.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Lecture Series (est. 2020)

This program commemorates the anniversary of Dr. King's assassination and is made possible by the Mwangi Fund, an endowed fund established by the Smith College Class of 1987. The lecture happens on or around April 4th to promote awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the rich diversity of cultures, identities, and lived experiences within our community. 

MwangiReads (est. 2020)

MwangiReads is a program designed to engage students in pluralistic literature in fun, accessible ways. Students can expect ongoing promotion of newly added material to the Mwangi Cultural Center library, as well as a variety of semester programming, including novel sharing and reading, workshops, and an Edible Book Party. In 2019, MwangiReads received a Presidential Innovation Challenge Grant.