The
University of Michigan has approximately 50 principal lounges within its
University Housing residence hall system. Residents are free to use any
of these lounges to relax, to enjoy each other’s company, to hold meetings,
or to host various activities and events. Of Housing’s many lounges, nine
are considered "Minority-cultural Lounges," and four are considered
"Multicultural Theme Lounges."
University Housing is aware that U of M has a diverse and multicultural student composition. This is reflected in the design of all its residence hall lounges, which are, in essence, cultural lounges in that they reflect some form of culture – be it American or otherwise. Philosophically speaking, Housing believes that using the term "multicultural" to refer solely to its "minority-cultural" lounges diminishes the historical impetus associated with the founding of these lounges on the U of M campus. In keeping with the spirit by which these lounges were established, Housing uses the term "minority-culture" or "minority-cultural" as a reference to federally recognized students of color: African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic and Latino/a Americans, and Native Americans. The term "minority-cultural" also helps to ensure that over time, students of color and their needs do not get lost within the "majority-culture" as a result of the broader use and interpretation of the term "multicultural." Minority-cultural Lounges vs. Multicultural Theme Lounges
Minority-cultural lounges and multicultural theme lounges are unique from other residence hall lounges in that they actively recognize and celebrate diverse cultures, peoples, and themes. Yet, these lounges differ fundamentally from one another in their overall function. Minority-cultural lounges are associated with the residence hall multicultural councils, Housing’s Project Awareness Program, and the Minority Peer Advisor / Minority Peer Advisor Assistant Program (MPA/A). They also reflect the cultures of the four federally recognized students of color groups. Housing’s multicultural theme lounges, on the other hand, are designed with unique cultural themes in mind. They do not include the same programmatic initiatives, as is the case with the minority-cultural lounges. As relatively new additions to University Housing, the multicultural theme lounges have become distinguished enhancements to the residence hall system. Havens for Support, Solidarity, and Sharing
U of M’s Minority-cultural Lounges are the central location for activities and programs sponsored and developed by students of color groups, residence hall multicultural councils, and MPA/A resident staff. The programming and other activities of the lounges are directed towards federally recognized students of color living in the residence halls. These lounges were created to provide students of color the opportunity to interact with one another in a relaxed and open environment. They are havens for support, solidarity, and sharing among students of color and those interested in their concerns. A Place for Learning, Communing, and Understanding
It is the goal of University Housing to maintain these facilities as part of its overall effort to support the appreciation of diversity within human populations, stimulate intercultural interaction and understanding, and provide supportive environments for all students. From the dedication of the first minority-cultural lounges in the early 1970’s until the present, University Housing has remained committed to preserving the two main functions of the lounges:
To serve as a place where non-students of color may have an opportunity to participate in and develop an understanding and appreciation for the various students of color cultures.
