About CISE

About CISE

We are pleased to announce the opening of the new Dr. Rita Smith-Wade-El Center for Intercultural Student Engagement (CISE), which is the integration of the former Dr. Rita Smith-Wade-El Intercultural Center and the Office of Student Access and Support Services! CISE will serve as a hub for student populations with various needs at Millersville University. It is located in the Adams House at 2 N. George Street, at the intersection of George and Frederick streets.

Embracing the EPPIIC values of Compassion and Inclusion, the new CISE will focus on the intercultural development of students by embracing both their similarities and differences. It will offer the following programs and services:

· Collaboration spaces to facilitate students’ exchange of ideas

· Discussion groups around emerging societal topics

· Mentorship for students with various needs

· Student leadership training

· Programming for celebrating cultural and/or identity-based months

· Service initiatives within communities of vulnerable populations

· Community service opportunities in the surrounding urban areas of Lancaster, Harrisburg, York, and Reading

· Immersion trips focused on communities experiencing hardships

· Referrals to University College and other campus partners for academic support

· One-on-one support for Milton Hershey School (MHS) students through collaborations with the MHS Graduate Programs for Success Division

· Collaboration with various campus partners for supportive programming

· Study space for students, equipped with study areas and computers

· Social space for students

· Office space for the student organizations in the Identity Based Organization Council (IBOC)

· Meeting space for the IBOC student organizations

 

We encourage you to stop by and visit the Dr. Rita Smith-Wade-El Center for Intercultural Student Engagement as your time permits. An open house is scheduled for Thursday, October 2 at 4:00 p.m. at 2 N. George Street.

Who is Dr. Smith-Wade-El?

Dr. Rita Smith-Wade-El was a professor of psychology and African-American studies at Millersville University for thirty-five years. She received her bachelor’s in psychology from Barnard College, and went on to receive her master’s and Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. She formatted her teachings by combining the science of Psychology with the complex theories and schools of thought surrounding racism, religion, and human relations. 

Dr. Smith Wade-El focused much of her research on race as a self-schema, racial identity, self-reinforcement, stereotype threat, gender and racism. Her commitment to the progression of the narratives surrounding race, gender, and the social constructs that interfere with marginalized groups has brought unto her many awards, one of which was the Essence of Humanity Award presented by the Crispus Attucks Community Center. This award recognizes incredible human characteristics including love, courage, and determination, even when faced with adversity.

Following her passing in 2018, the Intercultural Center at Millersville University was re-named in honor of her life's work and contributions to both the campus and greater community.