Multicultural Student Organizations

Allies (Gay + Straight Alliance) provides programs and services to address the special needs of gay and lesbian students at Birmingham-Southern College, and to heighten the awareness and understanding of issues pertinent to our members and to the college community. The Allies are committed to the establishment of a campus environment free of discrimination and to the promotion of mutually supportive relationships among all students.

Black Student Union (BSU) is committed to serving both the immediate campus and the greater community by facilitating dialogue, promoting education of African American culture, and encouraging cross-cultural fellowship. BSU sponsors several programs throughout the year such as Black History Month, Soul Food Festival, Unity Step Show, and the Alumni Reception.

Friends of Latin America (F.O.L.A.) is an organization that aims at increasing the awareness of Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America to the BSC community through promoting further studies of the region's culture, economy, environment, history, and politics.

All Latin American Studies minors and Americas Projects students are automatically considered members of FOLA. All students who demonstrate a desire to become a member of FOLA are considered for membership. Associate membership is open to faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni. No dues are necessary.

One of FOLA's most popular activities is Guad Night, held one Wednesday a month at the Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant. Additionally, FOLA sponsors academic and cultural programs such as Dia de Hispanidad and provides volunteers for the annual Latin American Studies Symposium

Multicultural Advisory Committee (MAC) was created in the interest of gaining feedback from students to help generate ideas for more effective, educational and creative Multicultural programming for the BSC student body. One representative from Allies, Black Student Union, Jewish Student Association, Multi-cultural Awareness Committee, the Inter-Fraternal Council, Pan Hellenic Council, Residence Life Staff, Muslim Student Association, and Student Government Association meet once every two weeks to discuss current multicultural programs, to present ideas for new multicultural programming and to network between member organizations. MAC coordinates the annual Diversity Week program.

Multi-cultural Awareness Organization (MCAO) works to heighten cultural awareness at Birmingham-Southern College by organizing and promoting a variety of cultural activities that provide opportunities to learn about other parts of the globe.

Muslim Student Association (MSA) promotes unity and joint action among Muslims at Birmingham-Southern College. It works to conduct social, cultural, religious and other activities in the best traditions of Islam to foster understanding about the Islamic faith, teachings and traditions. It also endeavors to promote friendly relations between the Muslim and non-Muslim community.

United Nations Organization (UNO) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that supports the work of the United Nations and encourages active civic participation in the ethical and economic issues facing the world today. The UNA-USA offers students the opportunity to connect with issues confronted by the U.N., from global health and human rights to international justice.