The Multicultural Cohort Program showed students how to start “Making the Most of Your College Experience” Wednesday.

The leadership event was brought to Grand Valley State University through the Office of Multicultural Affairs to allow students an opportunity to be a part of a community, gain leadership skills and experience success.

According to its Web site, MCP offers a cohesive and comprehensive experience linking student development services with co-curricular activities and academic learning.

Wednesday’s event had five speakers who presented students with opportunities to volunteer and get involved on campus: Liz Smith from the Padnos International Center, Brett Kosmicki from Campus Recreation, Bumi Fadase from the Community Service Learning Center, Valerie Jones from Laker Leadership and Student Life and Brandie Tenney from Housing and Residence Life.

Kristie Scanlon, assistant director of the OMA, said students can join the MCP at any time.

“There are four unique cohorts that are geared toward and focused on students becoming more acquainted with campus and (being) successful during their four or five years at the university,” she said.

The four programs are: Multicultural Business Education Cohort, Multicultural Higher Education Cohort, Multicultural Science Education Cohort and Multicultural Teacher Education Cohort.

“We focus a lot on career and personal development… so that they are experienced and ready to hit the ground running,” Scanlon said.

New members do have requirements to meet upon joining MCP.

“We do have a participation agreement and a participation log,” Scanlon said.

Students work on five areas the cohort is based on academic skills, intercultural development, professional development, leadership development and community service.

“The requirements are pretty easy; we really aren’t trying to put more on students’ plates because they’re already overscheduled,” Scanlon added. She said they concentrate on these five areas because they are proven areas of success for students.

“If they focus on their academics, their leadership, professional and intercultural development and provide and give some community service they’re going to be successful during their time at the university and their life beyond,” she said.

Students are required to complete five hours in each of the five areas within an academic year, but many fulfill that faster, Scanlon said. They track their progress with a participation log and turn it in at the end of each semester where they do recognition for students who go above and beyond.

“I had one student complete 60 hours of community service in one semester,” said Scanlon.

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