Florida Gulf Coast University
Tier2-3: Student Training Opportunities

The Office of Multicultural Student Services (MSS) holds many events and training throughout the year. Held during the first week of school, the Multicultural Student Services holds an event to welcome students back to the university and celebrate the various cultures at FGCU and around the world. The celebration includes student performances, guest speakers, distinguished faculty, and food.

Disability Awareness
Honoring students with disabilities by promoting further understanding and awareness of disability history and the disability rights movement by acknowledging the role and contributions of individuals with disabilities in our society.

Holocaust Remembrance
Honoring and remembering victims, survivors, and their famalies of the Holocaust. In Hebrew, Holocaust Rememberance day is called "Yom Hashoah".

Passover Seder
A Jewish ritual feast that marks the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Passover. The Seder is a ritual performed by a community or by multiple generations of a family, involving a retelling of the story of the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt.

AIDS Awareness
Designed to raise awareness about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, or AIDS, the designation of October as AIDS Awareness Month places special focus on a disease with a yet undiscovered cure. December 1 has been designated as World AIDS awareness day in an effort to link countries together to increase education and eradicate this fatal disease.

Woman's History
Celebrating the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. The purpose of Women’s History Month is to increase the knowledge of the contributions of notable and ordinary women.

Caribbean Month
Caribbean month pays tribute to the diverse cultures and immeasurable contributions of all who trace their heritage to the Caribbean. We also honor the bonds of friendship between the United States and Caribbean and celebrate the triumph of Caribbean Americans, a diverse community that encompasses many nationalities and languages.

Asian Awareness
Occurs throughout the year. Past events in the cultural seasons have included performances by ASIA- Spoken word Artist, martial arts demonstrations, and have addressed topics such as Asian Americans in politics. The focus is on implementation of programs, activities and University community

Black Heritage Month
Celebrates the contributions of African descendants during the February. Noted Black History author Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week in 1926 to celebrate the achievements of African Americans. In 1976 this became known as Black History Month. The Multicultural Student Development Center staff along with student organizations and community groups host a variety of events that highlight Black culture, history and tradition. These events include plays, music, cultural dances, conferences, and a lecture series.

Native American Heritage Month
During November, the University pays tribute to Native American heritage. Past heritage months have included guest speakers, information from the Yatzki Native American Center, Ph.D.

National Coming Out Day
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Cultural Month is October. In the past, this month has been highlighted with a film festival and noted speakers Judy Shepherd. The focus programs that support students and the campus community that reflect the richness of the GLBT community and its positive impact on our society.

Hispanic Heritage Month
From September 15 - October 15, the University celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month. Past heritage months have included guest speakers. Other programs have included Cafe Con Leche and a Health Fair. Programs and activities focus on the contributions of the Hispanic Culture and its impact on our society.

Diversity Week
Celebrated every April on FGCU campus. This week highlights various cultures across the spectrum. Programs include, workshops, brown bag sessions. Showcased are fashion, music, dance, and food, that reflect various cultures, including Indian, Vietnamese, African American, African Caribbean, Hispanic/Latino, Jewish, and Greek, Gender Issues, GLBT, Age.

Cultural Connections
Students from various cultural groups and organizations experiences an afternoon enjoying ethnic foods and meeting members from the University community.