Multicultural Student Services is dedicated to fostering intercultural learning and engagement through a wide range of initiatives and programs. Our mission is to cultivate an environment where students from all backgrounds can connect, learn from one another, and develop a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives. We strive to build a campus culture that values cultural exchange, promotes equity, and empowers students with the knowledge and skills to navigate an interconnected world.

Multicultural Peer Educators

Multicultural Peer Educators (MPE) is a diverse and collaborative group of students committed to fostering understanding and awareness of cultural differences among their peers. The MPE program addresses the growing need for intercultural learning at the University of Virginia by providing a peer-led space for meaningful discussion, interactive activities, and honest, thought-provoking conversations. MPE members receive ongoing training from professional staff, equipping them to facilitate impactful dialogues that explore important social issues, promote a welcoming community, and enhance cultural understanding within the university.

National Conference on Race and Ethnicity in American Higher Education (NCORE)

NCORE provides a leading forum for higher education professionals to explore and address the complexities of human differences—including cultural, social, and personal identities—and their profound impacts on access, opportunity, and success. Through dynamic sessions, collaborative discussions, and actionable strategies, NCORE equips participants to navigate these differences, create welcoming environments, and expand opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds to thrive in academic settings.

UNST 2500 - Connecting Communities: Intercultural Engagement and Education

This one-credit course is designed to foster intercultural awareness, communication, and engagement by exploring how culture shapes identity, interactions, and systemic structures. Students will reflect on how societal factors such as race, gender, and class influence identity development and experiences across different levels of society. Through discussions, experiential learning, and activities, students will gain the skills and tools to navigate diverse environments, recognize and address social imbalances, and develop strategies for fostering inclusion and fairness in academic, social, and professional contexts.

LGBTQ Center Workshops

The LGBTQ Center offers workshops for University faculty, staff, students, and community members who are interested in learning more about LGBTQ+ issues and advocacy.