Men of Color Initiative, or MCI is a program designed to support, empower, and explore issues unique to, the experience of men of color in higher education. Through mentorship by peers, faculty, and staff, MCI promotes leadership development, academic support, and service learning opportunities. MCI strives to empower and develop the next generation of leaders on campus and beyond Syracuse University. While MCI aims to support the needs of men of color in particular, the program and all activities are open to all eligible students without regard to race, gender, national origin, or other characteristics.
Research has found that the second year of college is often a period in which students encounter increasing academic, developmental, and social demands (Sterling, 2018). Additionally, research has shown the third-year experience is a pivotal point in an undergraduate student’s experience. During their third year, undergraduate students experience more demanding academic challenges, actively seek experience in areas of interest through internships, volunteering, summer jobs and/or research with professors, and change their physical relationship with campus as they often seek off-campus living options and study abroad programs (UCLA Parent & Family Programs, n.d.).
Member Application
If you are interested in the program, please complete our online application form. Each member of the selected cohort should have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 and be in good standing with Students Rights and Responsibilities. If you have any questions, please contact Dashawn Austin at dcaustin@syr.edu.
Apply to become a part of MCI!
MCI Induction Ceremony
Multicultural Affairs invites you to its Men of Color Initiative (MCI) Induction Ceremony on Friday, February 23rd from 4pm-6:30pm at the Sheraton Hotel, Regency Ballroom. The evening will formally introduce the initiative and highlight its members.
Please RSVP by Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024.