Who We Are

The Office of Intercultural Student Engagement is committed to developing and maintaining a culturally inclusive campus environment where all students can engage in meaningful relationships with other students, faculty and staff thereby enhancing the academic excellence, personal growth and leadership development of all UAlbany students.

Intercultural Student Engagement Staff sponsor and co-sponsor activities and events that increase the cultural competency of students, faculty and staff and manage safe and respectful spaces for students to learn more about themselves and others and where meaningful intercultural experiences and dialogues embrace the uniqueness of the many cultural, religious, and identity groups present in our diverse society.

Additionally, we provide support and advocacy for students from historically underrepresented communities, including, but not limited to students of African, Latino, Asian, and Native American (ALANA) descent, various religious communities, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) and Ally community and first generation college students to succeed socially and academically

  1. Leadership Development
    Conduct annual student leadership retreat and other educational programs designed to enhance the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to exercise effective leadership. Advises the Multicultural Student Advisory Committee (MSAC) which is made up of elected, appointed and emerging ALANA and LGBTQ student leaders on campus.  The purpose of the organization is to assist students in recognizing their individual and collective influence. The Advisory Council   seeks to foster a cooperative and supportive relationship among the participant groups in an effort to create a greater sense of unity among the overall student population on campus.

  2. Cultural and Social Programs
    Sponsor and co-sponsor cultural, educational and social programs such as the Dr. Martin Luther King/African Heritage Month Luncheon, Annual National Latino Collegiate Conference, Asian Occasion and Lavender Graduation.
  3. Pre-professional Opportunities
    Provide information, placements and referrals for summer as well as academic year internship and laboratory research assistant opportunities.
  4. Recognition Programs
    Sponsor the annual Dr. Seth W. Spellman Achievement Awards recognizing the accomplishments of African, Latino, Asian and Native American heritage students in the areas of scholarship, leadership and community service. Sponsor the Lavender Awards celebrating faculty, staff and students who contribute to LGBTQ inclusion across campus.
  5. Recruitment
    Co-sponsor campus visitation programs in cooperation with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, and participate in college nights, recruitment fairs, and related recruitment and admission activities.
  6. Counseling
    Professional staff and peer student staff work collaboratively with the University Counseling center to provide information and advice on personal and social matters and make referrals as appropriate; professional staff monitors student academic progress and recommends strategies for improving academic performance.
  7. Academic Support
    Work collaboratively with the Office of Academic Support Services to inform students of upcoming seminars and workshops on note taking, test preparation, time and task management and other classroom and study skills.
  8. Career Services
    Work collaboratively with Career Services and other professional agencies to coordinate seminars designed to prepare students for professional careers. The seminars include mock interviews, resume preparation and critique, networking skills, and acquiring internships. Also provide assistance in preparing for GRE, MCAT and LSAT exams.ruler