Welcome to the Multicultural Center at Portland State University. The Multicultural Center (MCC) provides a forum for collaborative cultural, educational, and social experiences at PSU and beyond. Be a part of this experience.

The MCC started as an idea that a group of PSU students proposed in 1991. The MCC has existed in various forms since 1992, and the recent move to SMSU 228 marks a new start for the Center in its tenth year.

The vision of the MCC is to bring together students, faculty, staff, and the community to promote respect, understanding, equality, social justice, and interdependence among people from diverse backgrounds.
Our mission is to provide a forum for collaborative cultural, educational, and social experiences at PSU and beyond.
Our purpose is threefold:

To provide a place in a central location on campus wherein all students, faculty, and staff might meet, exchange ideas, design and carry out plans for community and campus activities which foster understanding of the diverse social and cultural elements our city, state, nation, and world.

To provide programming space and assistance, Student groups are especially encouraged to utilize the facility as often as they need to, making maximum use of the services described above, urging others to come in and share their mixed-use ideas or to acquire help with socio-cultural event planning from an eager staff.

Our doors are also open to academic units and other departments.The MCC also seeks to help increase recruitment and retention of underrepresented students, staff, and faculty. The MCC assists the University in drawing on and developing the vast array of skills and experiences held by PSU's diverse community.

Our Faculty & Staff

Jon Joiner, Director You'll never see Jon without a smile on his face. Director of the MCC, Jon is always on the go working to making your time at the MCC is a memorable one. Jon will help you reach goals and set new ones. Dedicated to serving Portland, Portland State and Students of the campus. Jon continues to make a huge impact.

Sa'eed Haji, Staff Assistant and always on the go, Sa'eed will always have your back helping you make your event a special one. Sa'eed's experience working at the MCC will help you make your cultural event perfect.

You could have your picture here. What are you waiting for? Interested in working at the Multicultural Center with such a diverse group of students and team players, love to always have a challenge, love projects and working with student groups as well as co-workers? MCC IS THE PLACE TO BE!... Stop by the center and speak to the staff about any open positions that maybe available at the MCC.

MCC Coordinator's Message We are committed to providing each student, regardless of class standing, the opportunity to obtain a quality multicultural education and assisting in the achievement of personal development goals. Our entire raison d'etre is to be of service to community members of all backgrounds in a practical and effective manner and to further the cause of diversity in all areas of our campus community. Please help us reach our goals and yours by becoming a regular user/contributor/friend of the MCC in any capacity you see fit. Whether you're looking for space to hold an event, a teach-in, help with event-planning or cosponsorship, please feel free to contact us anytime. Sincerely, Jon Joiner

Multicultural Center Advisory Board What is the Multicultural Center Advisory Board? The Multicultural Center (MCC) Advisory Board is an active committee that consists of a minimum of ten (10) PSU students, eight (8) faculty / staff, and two (2) members of the Portland/Vancouver community. The Board’s objective is to carry out and to fulfill the mission, and vision of the MCC.   What does the Advisory Board Do? The MCC Advisory Board meets once a month for one hour The MCC Advisory Board has three standing committees under its auspices The Marketing and Nominations Committee The committee will develop and maintain an active list of potential board members for the yearly selection of full two year positions or replacement of Board members in vacant positions at the request of the administrative committee. The rules and procedures governing this committee shall be reviewed at the first meeting of the committee following the yearly selection. Revisions will be presented to board members for discussion and approval at the next meeting of the full board. Programming Committee: The main purpose of the committee shall be to assist the Advisory Board in the development of programs, projects, ideas and concepts, which are broad based, culturally and educationally relevant to the mission and purpose of the MCC.  This committee will support the full Board by providing requisite direction in terms of programming, which the full Board will recommend to the MCC staff for implementation.  This committee will draw from campus, community, and state wide resources. The rules and procedures governing this committee shall be determined at the first meeting of the committee following the yearly selection, put in writing and delivered to all Board members for discussion and approval at the next meeting of the full Board. Administrative Committee: The purpose of the committee shall be to help guide and advise the MCC staff in their day-to-day operations.  Areas include, but are not limited to, staffing and budgeting.  This committee will provide internal and external advocacy, as well as continue to develop community partnerships and collaborations. This committee will support the full Board by providing requisite direction in terms of administrative needs, which the full Board will recommend to the MCC staff for implementation.  This committee will draw from campus, community, and state-wide resources.       The rules and procedures governing this committee shall be determined at the first meeting of the committee following the yearly selection, put in writing and delivered to all Board members for discussion and approval at the next meeting of the full Board.