Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Multicultural Student Center?

The Multicultural Student Center (MSC), is visible evidence of Georgia Southern's recognition that diversity plays a significant role in society. The office promotes the clebration of racial and cultural diversity on campus. The goal of this office is to ensure that students are prepared for the diverse communities they will encounter both on and off campus now and in the future!

How can I get involved in diversity programming?

The Multicultural Student Center offers divesity progrmaming throughout the year. These programs include, but are not limited to, Cultural Diversity Week, Hispanic Awareness Month, Religious Awareness Week, Black History Month, Holocaust Rememrance, Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, Transgendered Week, Winter Holiday Celebration, and Women's Awareness Month. To get involved with programming for any of these events please contact the main office at 681-5409 or stop in the office and speak with a staff member regarding your interest in becoming involved. We are located in room 2070 in the Russell Union. Everyone is welcome to participate in planning for these important cultural events.

How to request a diversity presentation to be given in my classroom?

The Multicultural Student Center will be offering diversity presentations Monday-Thursday throughout the Fall and Spring semester. We offer these services Mondays through Thursdays from 8AM - 5PM. If you are interested in requesting a diversity presentation for your GSU 1210 please contact Amy Anderson at 681-5409.

What is Map?

MAP is a retention program that was mandated by the University System of Georgia in 1983. The primary purpose of this program is to promote academic and personal growth for all students. This is done through two main components, academic assistance and peer mentoring.

What does MAP do?

  • assess the needs of the students
  • orient the students to the campus community and to make their transition from high school to college as smooth as possible
  • provide support services and referrals to help students achieve their educational goals and obtain the necessary academic skills to perform successfully in the classroom
  • promote the career, intellectual, moral, social, and spiritual development of the students
  • identify and offer appropriate role models both on campus and in the community

Who can participate in the MAP program?

  • MAP participants, referred to as MAPees, are students who are enrolled at Georgia Southern as freshman or as transfer students with fewer than 30 earned credit hours. Participants may be full-time or part-time students, fully matriculated or enrolled in the Learning Support Program. Participants in MAP come from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Through involvement in the program, they often develop friendships which enhance the college experience and deepen the commitment to scholarship
  • Upon joining the program, each MAP student is assigned to a small group headed by a peer counselor (MAP sponsor) - a minority upperclassman - who has been trained to help participants adapt to college life. Students are matched to their peer counselors according to their academic majors. Students who have not chosen a major are grouped with a sponsor who will help them explore academic and career options
  • Sponsors assume leadership roles both academically and socially, helping students select classes, arranging social gatherings for MAP participants, helping students find their way around the campus and the community, and serving as true friends away from home. MAP sponsors are chosen each spring semester through a highly competitive selection process. Former participants in the program are encouraged to apply for these positions
  • The program coordinator serves as a special academic advisor for MAP students and makes referrals for students to campus services, such as tutoring service, financial aid, or counseling, when needed.

Do you have to be a minority student to participate?

The Multicultural Student Center is designed to educate and celebrate the cultural diversity of students, staff and the community at Georgia Southern University through offering support programs, services and activities to all students both majority and minority. Therefore, regardless of your ethnicity or race you are welcome to participate in all programs and resources offered through our department and MAP.

How many freshmen students (MAPees) are involved in MAP?

MAP has approximately 300 students enrolled in the program each year. These students are then paired with an upperclassmen minority student or MAP Sponsor who will be responsible for them throughout the academic year.

What are the benefits of being a MAPee?

  • Personal assistance from your peer mentor or MAP Sponsor
  • Personal invitations to MAP workshops and social events
  • Monthly Newsletters
  • Academic Consulting and Advising
  • Tutoring
  • Access to campus resources
  • A support network of friends, faculty and staff
  • And much, much more!!!!!!!!!!!

What are MAP Sponsors and how are they chosen?

A MAP Sponsor or peer leader is an upperclassmen minority student who assists in aids in easing the transition of minority students from highs school to college and to act as a guide and resource to students. MAP Sponsors have proven themselves both academically and socially on campus. They must maintain a 2.5 GPA at all times, go through a rigorous interview process and complete a 2 hour credit course that informs them of all of the campus resources and services that are available to students. MAP Sponsors are also trained to deal with many of the first year challenges that students face including, homesickness, anxiety over making friends, understanding professors, roommate conflicts, etc….

What events does MAP have throughout the year?

MAP plans two types of events throughout the year, success workshops and social. These events include but are not limited to the following: Time Management, Study Skills/Test Taking Skills, Career Development, Essay Writing, Sexual Responsibility, Healthy Eating and Stress Management, Money Management, Campus Organization Presentation, Community Service Activity, Game Nights, Cookouts, Sporting Events, Faculty & Staff Panel Discussions, Ice Cream Social, Relationship Forums, Cultural Awareness Celebrations, Spades Tournaments, Movie Nights, Rap Sessions and more.

Can I be involved in MAP beyond my freshmen year?

Yes you can! Your MAP experience is not limited to your freshmen year. The services that are offered through the program and the Multicultural Student Center are available to students throughout their college career. There will also be an opportunity for you to become involved in the program, as a MAP Sponsor, after your freshmen year.

How are MAPees paired with their MAP Sponsors?

MAPees and MAP Sponsors are paired according to their academic major so that the MAP Sponsor will be able to assist the MAPee in choosing classes, professors and helping them understand their major.

When does the program begin?

Your MAP experience begins the minute you step foot on campus. The MAP Sponsors will be assisting with move-in on August 16th. After that, MAP has activities planned throughout the entire week, this is called Welcome Week. These activities include the MAP Dating Game, MAP Orientation, Faculty Panel Discussion and the Annual MAP Ice Cream Social. Please click here to find out details as to the date, time and venue for each event.

How much does all of this cost?

The MAP program is absolutely free and completely voluntary. This program exist solely for your benefit so take advantage of all the opportunities MAP has to offer and make your freshmen year the best year it can be!!!

How do I sign up?

There are several ways that you can sign up for the program. When you attend summer orientation or SOAR at Georgia Southern University, MAP has several informational sessions and you can sign up during these sessions. You will also have an opportunity to sign up for the program during your first week at Georgia Southern at MAP Orientation. Finally, you may send an email to map@gasou.edu expressing your interest in the program and you can become involved.