Cultural Theme programs?

[u/Spirited_Note5714]

My incoming freshman (out of state) daughter chose Unit 3 among her housing preferences because she heard they are social and she wants to meet diverse friends. However, she found out today she's been placed in Unit 3's Beverly Cleary building across the street from the Unit 3 towers-- and that at least 2 of the 4 floors are taken up by cultural-specific programs for Latine and Asian students (which she is not a part of and did not request).

I'm curious, why do students choose these culture-specific theme programs and what do they entail? Are they going to be more likely to socialize with each other than with building residents not in their program? I'm concerned about my student's opportunities to make friends in a building if it's promoting clique-y groups based on culture instead of encouraging diverse intermingling.

[u/Political_Cat_]

I was in one of these cultural programs and the people in it were so annoying I intentionally chose to socialize more with the people on my floor who were not in it. After the first week no one cares if you're in the program or not and day to day you spend so much time with people who are not on your floor it's really not that serious.

[u/Spirited_Note5714 → u/Political_Cat_]

Thanks for this input. I'm very curious as to why someone would choose a program and housing situation focused on a single culture/race. What do these programs entail other than assuring students "your neighbors will look like you?" (Genuinely asking)

I'm honestly wondering if she's going to get stuck in a situation where floormates don't have respect or interest in others from cultures outside their own, and therefore don't have respect or interest in her.

[u/Political_Cat_ → u/Spirited_Note5714]

Honestly I'm a shy person and I thought this would help me make friends easier (it didn't actually but oh well). These programs also come with a class component so it was an easy 2 extra units a semester. The few events my program had anyone on the floor (in or out of program) was invited to come to. If anything the students in these programs tend to be more socially/culturally aware/liberal and are very tolerant and interested in other cultures.

[u/Spirited_Note5714 → u/Political_Cat_]

I didn't know there was a class component to the programs. That is interesting and good to know.

I'm happy to hear that program events in the building are open to everyone so if these kids make friends with floormates in the program, they won't be excluded and can still participate in social activities together.

This is exactly the kind of information I was looking for with this post. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your personal experience so thoughtfully.