The Symposium for Multicultural Scholars is an educational and transitional experience for incoming undergraduate first-year and transfer students of color (Black, African, African American, Latinx/Hispanic, Native American, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi, and Bi/Multiracial), historically underserved populations at NC State. Its purpose is to foster a sense of community for students while providing them with information about campus support, personnel, and resources as a basis for helping ensure their academic, social and emotional success at NC State.

The Symposium for Multicultural Scholars is hosted twice a year, In August as a three-day experience for fall admitted students and in January as a program for Spring Connect students.

Multicultural Student Affairs is currently practicing social distancing per CDC and NC State University guidelines, and thus is operating on a remote basis until further notice. Additional updates will be provided throughout the registration period as we get more information about the upcoming fall semester.

Please contact us via email at msa-symposium@ncsu.edu with any questions.

Symposium Counselor Registration Open

We are currently seeking students to serve as counselors during the 2021 Symposium for Multicultural Scholars.

Apply Now

Symposium will take place on August 9-11, 2021, providing an opportunity for incoming first-year students to build connections with members of the NC State community, including other first-year students, upper-class students, faculty, staff and alumni.

This year there will also be a Virtual Symposium for Multicultural Scholars option.

Symposium FAQ's

Please check the FAQ’s below for important information for Symposium sessions.

Fall FAQ's (August 2021)

Who is welcome to attend the Symposium for Multicultural Scholars?

While the Symposium places emphasis on supporting first-year and transfer students of color, first-year, and transfer students of all identities and backgrounds are welcome to participate.

What time will the Symposium for Multicultural Scholars begin and end?

This year the Symposium for Multicultural Scholars will take Monday, August 9 through Wednesday, August 11. Details and schedule to come.

Is there a fee for the Symposium for Multicultural Scholars?

Students are able to attend the symposium at no cost.

If I’m participating in the Symposium for Multicultural Scholars when do I move into my on-campus residence hall?

We ask that you sign up for a move-in appointment prior to August, 1st 2020, to ensure you are settled and able to fully participate in the program. Information about the Fall 2020 move-in guidelines can be found on the University Housing website.

How do I register for the Symposium for Multicultural Scholars?

NC State students planning to attend must register with their NC State email address through the registration form located on this website. Please be sure to pay attention to deadlines and important dates. You will receive a copy of your responses to confirm your registration.

If I have a scheduling conflict during the Symposium for Multicultural Scholars, what should I do?

Schedule accommodations can be made for students who are participating in Symposium and another early start program. Students should communicate these scheduling conflicts with us via email at msa-symposium@ncsu.edu .

If I attend the Symposium for Multicultural Scholars, do I still need to attend Orientation?

Yes, all incoming first-year and transfer students are required to attend Orientation.

Spring FAQ's (January 2022)

Spring Symposium

Who is welcome to attend the Spring Symposium for Multicultural Scholars?
While the Symposium places emphasis on supporting historically underserved students, no student group is excluded from participating in any program or services offered by Multicultural Student Affairs.

For the first time this year, we will be offering two tracks during the Spring Symposium, one for Spring Connect students and another for second semester first-year students, including transfer students in their first year at NC State.

Is there a fee for the Symposium for Multicultural Scholars?
There is no cost for students to attend. Registration covers all meals and materials.

How do I register for the Symposium for Multicultural Scholars?
All students planning to attend must register with their NC State email address through the registration form located on this website. Please be sure to pay attention to deadlines and important dates. You will receive a copy of your responses to confirm your registration.

What should I bring to the Symposium for Multicultural Scholars sessions?
Materials are provided as a part of registration. However, students can bring a bag or backpack to carry provided materials and a light jacket or sweater.

If I attend the Symposium for Multicultural Scholars, do I still need to attend Orientation?
Yes, all incoming first-year and transfer students are required to attend Orientation.