Signature Events

The Symposium for Multicultural Scholars is a summer education and transitional experience is open to all students from all backgrounds. Its purpose is to foster a sense of community for incoming undergraduate first-year and transfer students and provide them with information about campus support, personnel, and resources to help ensure their academic, social, and emotional success at NC State.

At MSA, we recognize the importance of honoring all communities’ various histories, traditions, and contributions. We observe various cultural and heritage months throughout the year, creating space to uplift different voices and celebrate the rich backgrounds that shape our campus. These moments offer opportunities for students to engage, learn, and reflect on the experiences and legacies of others. Students can build meaningful connections, expand their perspectives, and contribute to a campus environment where every story is valued by participating in these celebrations.

Our MSA Celebration of Graduates is an annual student-centered ceremony celebrating the graduating class’s various cultural backgrounds and experiences. As we have supported our students during their time at NC State, we also want them to feel supported and uplifted as they enter the world with their degrees. At NC State, this tradition allows community members to pause, reflect and be inspired. This event is open to all students from all backgrounds, cultures and identities.

Join us each January for events celebrating and commemorating the great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Past speakers have included Dick Gregory, Iyanla Vanzant, Symone Sanders, Benjamin Jealous and lectures by numerous NC State scholars and immersive virtual reality exhibits.These events are open to all students from all backgrounds, cultures and identities.

The First-Year Honors Convocation is an annual event recognizing academic excellence and persistence at NC State. Students who are recognized are in their first semester at NC State received a 3.5GPA or higher and were participants in that year’s Symposium for Multicultural Scholars.  This event is open to all students from all backgrounds, cultures and identities.

Powwows are social gatherings of hundreds of Native Americans who follow dances started centuries ago by their ancestors and that continually evolve to include contemporary aspects. These events of feasting, drum music and dance are attended by Natives and non-Natives, all of whom join in the dancing and take advantage of the opportunity to see old friends and teach the traditional ways to a younger generation. This event is open to all students from all backgrounds, cultures and identities.