"Diwali... is a significant festival for Hindus, Jains and Sikhs. It signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil."
- Mihir Katre, Indian Student Organization President
A Place Where You are Celebrated
The Multicultural Resource Center (MRC) is a peer-led community that offers collaborative spaces for connection and coalition building across cultural identity, especially for historically underrepresented students and student organizations. Reflecting UAlbany’s commitment to social justice and diversity, we create an inclusive environment where you can truly be yourself as you learn and grow.
View the UAlbany Campus Land Acknowledgement
The MRC empowers understanding of intercultural heritage while working to dismantle historical institutional barriers for all groups. We strive to break the legacies that disconnect us from our bodies, our surroundings and each other.
Find Connection
With more than 80 cultural-based groups, our student clubs create an amazing community on campus. Check out all the cultural organizations or start a new one!
Be Seen
There is always something happening on campus! The MRC is the place to celebrate cultural heritage and diversity, while deepening your own connection and understanding.
Follow Us
Follow us for updates on events across campus, upcoming awareness months, giveaways and tips to honor cultural heritage and challenge appropriation.
Our Offerings
Current and Prospective Students
The MRC is a hub of connection and engagement for students across identity groups, helping us find common connections for celebration, mutual understanding and continued growth.
Scholarships
The NIA ALANA Scholarship Award recognizes students who have exhibited a strong commitment to the University at Albany community through their outstanding service and leadership. Recipients will be presented with a monetary award. Visit our Awards and Recognitions page to determine if you’re eligible for this and other ISE scholarships.
LGBTQ+, Gender Inclusive and Trans Resources
See our regularly updated Trans Resource Guide for an overview of campus resources. This guide explains how to use your chosen name on campus, gender inclusive or LGBTQ+ specific housing options, as well as tips on campus and local healthcare. You can reach out to the GSRC to work with our Trans Outreach peer navigator for any additional needs or questions.
Urgent and Emergent Funds
The MRC provides limited support for students navigating urgent unforeseen financial needs on a case-by-case basis thanks to the generous support from alumni and the campus community. For students concerned about longer term housing insecurity, food insecurity or in need of emergency support, additional resources are offered through the Dean of Students Office Supplemental Services.
Internships and Service Opportunities
The MRC is a registered organization with UAlbany’s Community & Public Services Program (CPSP) offering course credit and the Engage UAlbany volunteer service platform. Through these programs, you can complete 60 to 100 hours of service with the MRC, partner to run mutual aid drives and receive one to three credits per semester for a maximum of four semesters. Together we make the change in our communities.
Student Organization Collaboration
With many supplies, technology and social spaces for group collaboration, our center is a great place to host your next e-board meeting or event. See our offerings and co-sponsorship forms.
Dr. Seth Spellman Awards & ISE Celebrations
Established in 1991, these awards honor the late Dr. Seth Spellman, Jr., one of the University’s most esteemed colleagues. They celebrate the accomplishments of undergraduate students from African, Latino, Asian and Native American backgrounds in academic excellence, community service and leadership. See previous honorees and eligibility criteria on our Awards and Recognition page.
General Campus Diversity & Inclusion Resources
UAlbany hosts numerous Diversity & Inclusion committees dedicated to addressing issues impacting our diverse students, faculty and staff. For more information about UAlbany’s commitment to Diversity and Inclusion, anti-discrimination policies and Bias Incident Response reporting visit the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
Annual Events
Our student clubs host many signature events that have become part of the fabric of UAlbany life. Events like Asian Occasion, Black Solidarity Day, El Comienzo, ASIA Night and Cultural Connections Festival bring students together across the ALANA diaspora. In addition, the MRC helps to synthesize and amplify events around these awareness months.
Heritage Months
In the United States, Heritage Months celebrate various ethnic and marginalized groups by educating people about their contributions to American history.
- February - Black History
- March - Women's History
- April - Asian Pacific American Heritage
- September - Hispanic Heritage
- November - Native American Heritage
Cultural Carnival
For over 20 years, UAlbany's Spring semester Cultural Carnival has been a free event that fosters understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures through food, music, games, dance and more. It’s organized by a variety of student organizations, drawing from international, cultural, gender and sexuality and faith-based student groups.
Social Justice Education
View ISE Toolkits and Resource Guides for materials designed by our peer educators and updated by our student organizations with ways to celebrate identity and engage with awareness events on your own or with our centers.
What is Diwali?
What is Diwali?
The Thanksgiving Address, Ohen:ton Karihwatehkwen: "Words Before all Else"
Recorded by members of UAlbany’s Indigenous Students Association during the Spring 2024 semester.
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