Contact

Sherman Cowan

Chief Diversity Officer
Student Life
508-849-3396

An Inclusive Community

The Office of Diversity & Inclusion (ODI) is committed to promoting an inclusive campus community of AMCATS who have knowledge and understanding of their individual identities and the identities of those around them. At Anna Maria, we aim to create and maintain a campus climate based on respect, where our differences are acknowledged, not neglected, and joined with our commonalities – as this is essential for building and maintaining an engaged, inclusive college.

Through our dialogues and programs we aim to promote interpersonal development, intergroup understanding, cultural empathy and humility, and critical thinking skills to prepare our students to meet the challenges of a complex and evolving society.

More Information

Resources
Multicultural Student Council
Diversity & Inclusion Lounge
Event Photos

Resources

Below are the resources for The Office of Diversity & Inclusion:

ALANA

ALANA is a student organization for students of African, Latino/Hispanic, Asian/Pacific, and Native American descent created to provide support and community for these students and their allies. ALANA holds meetings where students of color can network, dialogue, get support and plan events. ALANA is supported through the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and is committed to creating a more inclusive and multicultural-competent campus.

For more information, email us at alana@amcats.edu, follow us on Twitter @AMC_ALANA, or connect with the Director of ODI/a recognized member of ALANA.

AMCAT Scholars

The AMCAT Scholars Program provides resources, support and community to our first-generation students at Anna Maria College. The program is run by Dennis Vanasse, the Director of The Student Success Center/Tutoring and Briana-Allyn Amissah, the Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. AMCAT Scholars will meet twice a month for fun and helpful workshops, and once monthly with either Dennis or Briana-Allyn. The program is recommended for all first-generation college students and is a great avenue to making friends.

For more information, contact either Dennis Vanasse at dvanasse@annamaria.edu; (508) 849-3372 or Briana-Allyn Amissah at bamissah@annamaria.edu; (508) 849-3396.

B.R.I.D.G.E.

B.R.I.D.G.E is a mentorship-based initiative that supports the success of men of color at Anna Maria College by providing a myriad of resources to help them attain their goals, attain a college degree and facilitate student access. The acronym for B.R.I.D.G.E represents Balance, Responsibility, Integrity, Development, Growth and Evolution – these areas are highlighted throughout the program. Participants of the B.R.I.D.G.E Program will be exposed to opportunities to build social capital while planning for life after Anna Maria through mentorship, civic engagement, workshops, internships, and volunteer opportunities in Worcester and beyond. The B.R.I.D.G.E Program is fully staffed and is facilitated by male alumni of color and the Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

For more information, contact Briana-Allyn Amissah at bamissah@annamaria.edu; (508) 849-3396.

International Students

At Anna Maria College we aim to celebrate, educate, acclimate and serve our international student population by helping them accomplish their academic and personal goals. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion creates a welcoming and inclusive community for the international student community through various programs and campus initiatives to welcome, involve and foster a sense of belonging, engagement, and success of international students. Please visit the Director of Diversity and Inclusion to learn more about how you can get involved.

Multicultural Guide

Inside this guide you will find information about Anna Maria College and the Paxton/Worcester area, such as information about community resources, restaurants and international markets, places of worship, barber shops and hair salons, LGBTQ+ resources, and clubs and activities.

View Multicultural Resource Guide here

PRIDE

PRIDE is an advocacy club created to provide a safe community on campus for students who identify as being lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, queer/questioning or other identities. PRIDE holds meetings where LGBTQ+ students can network, dialogue, get support and plan events. PRIDE is supported through the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and is committed to educating the Anna Maria community and having dialogues on topics concerning the LGBTQ+ community.

For more information, email us at acesclub@annamaria.edu, or connect with the Director of ODI/a recognized member of PRIDE.

Multicultural Student Council

Diversity & Inclusion Lounge

The Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Lounge is located on the lower level of the Bishop Flanagan Campus Center near The Hub. The D&I Lounge serves as a committed inclusive space for student, faculty and staff interaction through formal and informal opportunities. Open 24/7, the space is utilized for programming, club meetings, group study sessions and even competitive Uno games! The D&I Lounge may be used by all student groups, but preference will be given to student organizations advised by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. For more information, please contact the Director of Diversity and Inclusion.

Event Photos