Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
Parallel form(s) of name
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
South Dakota State University. Minority Peer Mentor Program
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
History
The Office of Multicultural Affairs at South Dakota State University was established to develop and coordinate initiatives that supported multiculturalism and student success within the university community. The office promoted inclusive social, cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities and provided services designed to enhance the academic experience of students from underrepresented backgrounds. Its responsibilities included student success advising, leadership development, coordination of multicultural programming, and collaboration in recruitment efforts focused on minority student populations.
The office administered programs such as the Minority Student Orientation and the Minority Peer Mentor Program, which paired incoming students with upper class mentors to support academic transition and campus engagement. It also managed the National Student Exchange program and worked closely with cultural student organizations, including the African Students’ Association, Black Student Alliance, Native American Club, and various international student groups. In response to policy direction from the South Dakota Board of Regents, the office’s structure and designation evolved, transitioning toward a model focused on Student Connection and Engagement while maintaining support services for students and campus programming related to cultural awareness and community development.