Minority students enrolled at a record rate at all ASU campuses in fall 2003, increasing minority enrollment by 22 percent, according to the Office of Institutional Analysis.
ASU's Multicultural Student Center is working to support this increase by providing cultural support and awareness to minority students.
Minority college students coming from other schools and different communities may feel a sense of racial and cultural isolation due to lack of recognition or representation in their learning institution, said Alonzo Jones, assistant dean of the center.
To combat the sense of dissociation from the University, the center dedicates itself in enhancing the experience of minority students by providing services that will assist in the successful transition, retention and graduation of minority students.
According to the center's handbook, these feelings of isolation and anonymity on campus cause low retention rates among ethnic and minority students. Those who feel isolated often do not go on to graduate.
"Being Native American, I can understand the frustrations of coming to a big campus after spending so much time on a small reservation," said Calvin Guy, a member of the center and a philosophy student. "It can be tough, but the (center) has eased my transition and helped me along toward my goal of graduating."
The center is located on the third floor of the Student Services Building.
"It (MSC) helps you get involved with ASU and the community," said Jeff Lynn, vice president of Asian/Asian Pacific American Student Coalition.
The center also sponsors different student coalitions that target minorities.
"(The center) has helped me to focus more on individuality and how even though people are very individual and different from each other, we are all still the same," said J.J. Johnson a member of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Coalition.
For more information about the center and its coalitions call (480) 965-6060 or visit www.asu.edu/studentlife/msc.
Reach the reporter at lynda.cruz@asu.edu.
