Frequently Asked Questions
What is MOSAIC? MOSAIC is the new Multicultural Opportunity and Social Awareness Interest Community. It is an intercultural living environment that facilitates dialogue and learning about the many aspects of diversity, including not only race and color, but also gender, socio-economic status, ability, sexual orientation, religion, political views, and other forms of difference.
How do I apply?
If you are a current Virginia Tech student, you can apply by completing the brief essay responses at www.ceod.org.vt.edu/mosaic.php. All current students who apply for MOSAIC must also apply for on-campus housing through the Housing Application Process. New students can apply through at www.studentprograms.vt.edu/themehousing/thappinfo.php as part of the Housing Application Process.
Where will MOSAIC be located?
It will be located on the first eight floors of Slusher Tower, which will become co-ed to accommodate MOSAIC residents.
Who is the MOSAIC program for?
All students are invited to be a part of MOSAIC. If you are interested in topics like human rights and religious freedom, MOSAIC is a great opportunity to learn how to foster diversity and further your understanding.
What will the community look like?
It is designed to be a mix of current and first-year students. Our goal is a 50/50 mix, so that current students can serve as mentors for new students.
What type of experiences will MOSAIC provide?
MOSAIC will bring information about multicultural resources and programs to you through resource boards, faculty mentors in the residence hall, and organized events and will also provide opportunities for field trips, community-building efforts, and service learning projects. MOSAIC will be a nucleus for leadership and activism across different areas.
What is the academic component of the program?
All members of the MOSAIC community will be required to take the 3-credit fall semester course (Pass/Fail) that will provide a foundation in diversity studies and cultural competency. The course will cover varying areas of multiculturalism and will be taught by a set of faculty members from various academic fields.
How will MOSAIC help me?
The MOSAIC course provides a valuable stepping stone in your academic and professional careers. Both employers and graduate school committees seek candidates who have developed cultural competencies, had leadership experiences, and participated in service projects, and MOSAIC offers opportunities for all of these experiences. Community programs, especially the faculty mentoring programs, will teach you to market the skills and experiences you acquire from MOSIAIC according to your particular field.
How will this community benefit me?
This community will enhance your understanding of different backgrounds and reinforce the importance of community and dialogue. As a member of MOSAIC, you will be exposed to an environment that bridges the academic and residence hall categories; you will take classes with floor/building mates and develop stronger academic and peer relationships.
What makes MOSAIC different from other theme housing programs?
MOSAIC is different because of the partnership between the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Division of Student Affairs. MOSAIC is broader in focus than other theme housing programs like the World community. The World focuses primarily on global perspectives, not on multiculturalism in all its different facets (e.g., religion, gender, political perspective). MOSAIC will provide a comprehensive study of diversity that extends beyond the international environment.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the following:
