Center for Multicultural Student Services

Location: Student Success Center, Suite 1312, MSC 3504
Phone: (540) 568-6636

The Center for Multicultural Student Services (CMSS) is an integral part of the student experience at James Madison University.

In addition to providing a home away from home to the multicultural community, the Center for Multicultural Student Services supports the journey towards degree completion by focusing on student success, holistic student development (academically, socially, culturally, professionally and personally) and intergroup community engagement by cultivating and strengthening networking opportunities. 

CMSS is home to 50+ student affinity-based groups (Including fraternities and sororities). We create space and opportunities for students to develop a sense of belonging through staff and peer-to-peer connections. CMSS offers HRD 123, a 3-credit hour course that develops leadership, facilitation and presentation skills to prepare students for college, the workforce and to lead peers through campus dialogues on critical topics. CMSS is open to all students and hosts a variety of opportunities to engage in a Pre-Weeks of Welcome program, experiential learning trips, leadership conferences and educational programs that center an array of students' affinities and interests. "There's a Place for YOU at JMU!"

The office works diligently to provide the following:

• Student leadership development
• Student engagament opportunities
• Student development (academically, professionally, socially, culturally, personally)
• Opportunities to educate, celebrate, value and uplift various cultural heritages, traditions and experiences
• Peer and staff mentorship, advising and overall student support services to undergird the following but not limited to: 
  • Student success
  • Sense of belonging
  • Community engagement and workforce preparedness
  • Retention to degree completion