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OIR Programs & Student Groups

The following is a list of programs and initiatives sponsored by the University and/or the Office of Intercultural Relations (OIR) as part of our effort to fulfill our Mission and Vision. These programs & initiatives have been developed within defined work areas that support our campus climate needs in a holistic and multicultural framework. These programs are being sponsored as part of our mission to foster the diversity within our communities, promote mature intercultural interaction, and educate our campus on issues of race, ethnicity, and social justice.

The goal of OIR is to enable dialogue within the SAU communities in order to generate an inventory of ideas that will assist the development of our community. Please submit ideas of diversity issues you want to see addressed.

Programs/Events

SAU Gospel Fest

SAU Gospel Fest

The SAU Gospel fest is an annual gospel music festival on Spring Arbor University’s campus. The event takes place during the spring semester and is deemed as the SAU Gospel Choir semester finale. The proceeds of the event are used to fund scholarships for college students. The ceremony features college gospel choirs and gospel artists across the Midwest.

Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month is the period from September 15 to October 15 in the United States, when people recognize the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States and celebrate the group’s heritage and culture.

The month is celebrated by our Intercultural Advisers by featuring several programs in each residential hall.

Taste of Arbor Festival

The Taste of Arbor is an annual celebration of the diversity of our students, faculty, staff, trustees, and other associates in our community. The celebration promotes cultural heritage through a combination of food and entertainment (arts and crafts, music, and international dance).

Arabian Night

Arab culture refers to the culture in the countries in which the official language is Arabic also known as “Arab countries”. These nations consist of Western Asia and North Africa.

The evening event is organized by Jordanian American students and highlights key components of the Arabic culture. This includes music, dress, dance, history, and cuisine.

MLK Celebration

Faculty, students, staff, academic units, departments, and community members develop programs and initiatives to continue and remember the work and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Black History Month

Andrew Young
Andrew Young visits campus during Black History Month 2013

The task of the Black History Month Celebration Planning Committee is to work collaboratively through the Office of Intercultural Relations (OIR) to provide guidance in Spring Arbor University’s Annual Celebration. Every year, faculty, students, staff, academic units, departments, and community members develop programs and initiatives to continue and remember the contribution and legacy of African descendents. The events focus on historical authenticity and the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s, programs highlight historical and contemporary issues of race, class, social justice, diversity, and societal change. Past celebrations featured prominent black leaders such as former NFL coach Tony Dungy, U.S. Ambassador Alan Key, and U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young.

Women in Leadership

The Women in Leadership Conference is an event designed to help women fulfill their potential as leaders. The key to this event is being able to bring women of all ages and backgrounds together with relevant tools for spiritual, personal and professional development. This event features inspirational workshops, compelling speakers and opportunities for networking.

Multicultural Graduation Ceremony

The Multicultural Graduation celebrates the commonalities and differences that characterize the experiences of students of color and other students at Spring Arbor University. The program serves as an example of Spring Arbor University’s commitment to diversity and to students of color.

The Multicultural Graduation contributes to the academic and social progress of all students by providing programs and activities that promote the communal striving and sense of accountability that help students to achieve. The ceremony acknowledges the value and uniqueness of students of color experience and serves to commemorate their accomplishments.

The Spring Arbor University Multicultural Graduation Planning Committee, institute this annual celebration to honor, respect, and remember those from our past and present communities who could only dream of the opportunity to graduate from an institution of higher learning. This ceremony marks a tradition of valuing our cultural offerings to SAU and to the world community.

Student Organizations

To be listed as a multicultural organization on this website, please, contact: OIR Staff at omsp@arbor.edu. Also be prepared to submit a proposal that explains how your organization’s mission is in line with the mission of OIR. Ideal organizations promote justice, advocate peace, and empower the student population in an inclusive manner.

Asian Student Union

The Asian Student Union aims to unite and serve the Asian community on campus while educating the general student body of Spring Arbor University. The association is committed to benefiting both Asian and non–Asian communities while promoting Asian culture and heritage.

African Student Union

African Student Union is an organization aiming to unite and serve the African student community on campus while educating the general student body of Spring Arbor University. The association is committed to benefiting both African and non–African communities while promoting African culture and heritage.

International Student Union

ISU is an organization aiming to unite and serve the international student community on campus by educating the general student body of Spring Arbor University through cultural events, preservation of international students’ heritage, thus adding to the diversity of the campus. The Union also provides services common to our international students such as ethnic food shopping trips, summer storage, and transportation to the airport.

Ladies of Virtue & Excellence

LOVE is an organization aiming to unite and serve the African American women community on campus while educating the general student body of Spring Arbor University. The organization is committed to fostering leadership, character and community involvement among African American women on campus.

Primas

Primas is an organization aiming to unite and serve the Latina/Hispanic women community on campus while educating the general student body of Spring Arbor University. Through social and educational activities the organization hopes to create, engage, educate, and promote our heritage and culture to the SAU community.

Devine Radiance Dance Team

DRDT is a Christ-centered dance team that allows both male and female students to come together to dance, fellowship, outreach, and exercise in a warm, Christian environment.

SAU Gospel Choir

The purpose of the Gospel Choir is to inspire and uplift members of the campus community and abroad through the ministry of music.

Mu Kappa

Mu Kappa is an organization aiming to unite and serve the Missionary Kids and Third-Culture Kids student community at SAU by building relationships among the group members. Further, the organization seeks to coordinate special services to help with their life away from ‘home’ such as ethnic food shopping trips, summer storage, and transportation to the airport.