Welcome to Oxy’s Multicultural Summer Institute!
The Multicultural Summer Institute (MSI) at Occidental College is a fun and innovative four-week academic program for 30 incoming first-year students interested in the power of academic study for social change. It’s also an opportunity to start building your Oxy community before starting school!
Centering first-generation and historically underrepresented students, this immersive program builds leadership skills, introduces you to the rich resources of Los Angeles, and jump-starts the community-building process. The four weeks spent on campus will introduce you to the holistic learning environment of college-level academics.
MSI is a special chance to develop lasting relationships with new peers, faculty, staff, and the larger Occidental community. Participants will live and dine on campus, become familiar with the College, and explore the city together. Established in 1987, MSI embodies the College’s mission by supporting intellectual fellowship and community among a diverse group of incoming emergent student leaders.
Program Details
MSI has two components: a 4-unit course taught by a team of faculty from different disciplines and a series of co-curricular experiences.
MSI’s academic program challenges students to develop skills in critical thinking, close reading, analytical writing, and communication. This summer's course is “(Im)migrant Communities of California.” Upon completion, students earn four credits toward their degree and fulfill either the U.S. Diversity or Global Connections component of Occidental’s Core Program requirements.
The co-curricular component focuses on learning and engagement with the diverse communities of Los Angeles. This segment includes intergroup dialogue and cultural humility linked to the main themes of the course.
Some recent trips:
- Dodger Games to explore the history of Chavez Ravine
- History of Placita Olvera Food Tour
- Surf Lessons focused on the history of water accessibility for Black and Brown communities
- Food Markets
- Museums
Lastly, students will have the opportunity to live together in their residence hall for the entirety of their first year. The MSI cohort’s activities will extend beyond the summer with professional development opportunities, trips around Los Angeles, and community building events throughout the year.