Multicultural Center, International House Merger on Hold (Update)

Duke University will merge its Center for Multicultural Affairs (CMA) with the International House to form the tentatively named Global Cultures Center, school officials announced Tuesday.

"Integrating the two cultural centers will consolidate the delivery and experience of cultural programs and services to students of all backgrounds -- whether domestic or international," said Zoila Airall, assistant vice president of student affairs. "We intend for this merger to increase the interaction between American and international students, and believe the co-location of programs and services will prove to be a great benefit to both groups."

Students will play an integral part in the transition team that will shape the new center, Airall said. Consolidation efforts will begin immediately, and all current programs and services will be maintained during this process. Any changes to programs or services will come by recommendation of the transition team. The merger will be complete and in full operation by July 1, 2010.

"This merger will change the way we think about campus culture. That is what we intend," Airall said. "This includes the design of co-curricular programs and, ultimately, the way Duke serves and enriches the student cultural experience."

In addition, the effort supports the university's goal of preparing Duke students for leadership roles in their communities, across the nation and throughout the world, Airall said.

"A reinvented Global Cultures Center models 21st century expectations of an international community joining together to create new knowledge to solve world issues," Airall said.

At a time when university resources are constrained, a merger of this type, which will enhance programs and services to students while reducing costs, is well-timed, Airall added. "IHouse and CMA have been working together all along on many of their outreach efforts to students," she said. "The merger is a natural fit."