Beyond FRESHMAN YEAR: MOSAIC at the University of Colorado

Summer’s winding down and school starts soon for some kids, especially those heading off to college. For college students of mixed-race heritage, campus programs that address their unique needs and give them opportunities to meet other students with diverse backgrounds can be critical to their success on campus. Unfortunately, not many colleges sponsor such programs. Here in the Denver area, the University of Colorado hosts MOSAIC, the Multiracial Student Association, within the department of Multiracial Student Services. One MOSAIC student, Ashley McDermott, was selected to participate in a MAVIN-sponsored bus tour during the 2004-2005 school year. Called Generation Mix, the bus tour crossed the country to help raise awareness of issues facing people of mixed-race heritage.

Hopefully such a high-profile tour has led to the establishment of more campus organizations like MOSAIC at more schools, or at least to increased support for multiracial students.

Photo © MAVIN (Ashley McDermott is in the middle)