Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Selection
Who should apply to MLP?
MLP seeks students who are passionate about using their education to affect positive change in their communities. An MLP scholar should be able to connect purposefully with others, demonstrate curiosity, openness, empathy and humility, and value the opportunity to learn about lived experiences and cultures different than their own.
Programming
What is the purpose of MLP?
The Multicultural Leadership Program aims to provide structured training and opportunities for students to explore identity and reach across the divisions of difference; MLP programming is designed to help its scholars grow as leaders and be able to use their Whitworth education to act for inclusive humanity, on campus as well as in their home communities.
Are MLP scholars required to live on campus?
As living on campus facilitates a higher degree of meaningful interaction and community between MLP scholars and the larger Whitworth student body, scholars are required to live on campus for their duration at Whitworth. In their first year, MLP scholars will all be placed in the same residence hall to foster support within their cohort community, but scholars may choose to live in whichever residence hall they prefer in the following years.
What U.S. cultural studies coursework is required?
MLP scholars are required to declare and fulfill coursework for a minor in U.S. cultural studies (USCS). MLP scholars will take USCS 120 as a cohort during the spring semester of their first year and will take Intergroup Dialogue as one of their electives toward their USCS minor in their junior or senior year. If an MLP scholar’s timeline at Whitworth would negatively be impacted by adding this minor to their graduation requirements, they may appeal for exemption from this requirement with the recommendation of their academic advisor.
The U.S. cultural studies program’s goals are as follows: to study the foundations and interactions of diverse groups living in the U.S. from an interdisciplinary framework; to develop intercultural competencies for other coursework, graduate or professional schools, and eventual vocations; and to increase willingness and capacity to serve campus and communities by advancing social justice and reconciliation.
More information on the USCS program can be found at http://catalog.whitworth.edu/undergraduate/usculturalstudies.
What is BUCS Bridge?
The Building Unity & Cultivating Success (BUCS) Bridge Program is a pre-orientation program designed to serve first-year students from first-generation and/or underrepresented racial and ethnic population backgrounds. This five-day program introduces incoming students to Whitworth's faculty, resources and peers before first-year orientation begins. After the pre-orientation, participants may opt-in to the peer mentoring program to receive ongoing support from peer guides and staff throughout their first year. Students involved in BUCS Bridge experience the benefits of community-building, gain skills in college navigation and further develop their multicultural identity.
More information on the BUCS Bridge program can be found at www.whitworth.edu/bucs-bridge.
What is the Mentorship Visit Program?
The Mentorship Visit Program (MVP) is a two-day campus visit that invites high school juniors, seniors and college transfers to experience Whitworth’s campus community and discover Whitworth’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the academic and student life programs offered at Whitworth, connect with our community through mentor groups led by student leaders, and meet university faculty and staff who support students inside and outside the classroom.
More information on the MVP program can be found at www.whitworth.edu/mvp.
Financial
Are MLP scholars required to take out loans?
Students who are eligible for federal student aid will have federal loans included as a part of the MLP financial award, but MLP scholars can reject the loans (either part of the amount or the full amount) and cover that balance with their own savings, scholarships from outside of Whitworth University, or through setting up a payment plan with the student financial services office.
What annual fees are considered mandatory and covered by MLP financial awards?
ASWU ($300), wellness ($315), technology campus facility ($635) and accident insurance ($130) fees are mandatory and will be covered by MLP. Matriculation, graduation, loan, course and incidental fees will be the responsibility of the student.
Will Jan Term costs be covered by MLP?
Jan Term is an optional short term between fall and spring semesters that lasts about three and a half weeks. If students utilize this term, they will typically focus on one academic course, with each day covering roughly one week's worth of content from a typical semester-style course. Some students will also take a PE course during Jan Term. Many students use Jan Term as an opportunity to study off campus, either domestically or internationally.
The $385 Jan Term cost is covered under MLP financial aid; however, if an MLP scholar were to participate in an off-campus program during Jan Term, the costs associated with that trip beyond the $385 fee would be the responsibility of the student.
Does MLP cover summer courses?
The MLP scholarship will generally not cover any costs associated with enrollment in summer classes at Whitworth, including but not limited to tuition, fees, books, room and board. Students may, however, petition the MLP Steering Committee to have summer class costs covered by the MLP scholarship if they provide a valid reason why they believe Whitworth should cover the cost (e.g., to stay on track to graduate in four years).