Minority Male Success Initiative
The Minority Male Success Initiative (MMSI) is a unique program geared specifically for minority males who attend Rowan-Cabarrus. The purpose of MMSI is to increase retention and college completion rates of minority males. The central goal is to help students be successful in their collegiate career at Rowan-Cabarrus, and produce graduates with high academic achievement and preparedness for transfer and/or employment. MMSI will also create a brotherhood among its participants that supports and expects excellence academically, socially and professionally.
The program will have an established cohort of 30 students each semester (fall and spring). The cohort model will allow for a much more personalized approach to advising and student engagement. Students will be placed in program cohorts based on their semester of entry. Upon acceptance into the program, MMSI students will have specific expectations.
Application
Please complete a formal application of interest. Once applications are reviewed, applicants will receive a detailed email about next steps, expectations, semester events, and other important information.
Program Services
Program services include but are not limited to:
- Faculty/Staff, Alumni and Community Mentorship
- Specialized Career and Academic Advising
- Academic and Life-Skills Workshops
- Financial Advisement
- Community Service
- Cultural Awareness
- Leadership and Professional Development
- Network and Relationship Building
- Social Events
- Student Leadership Opportunities
- Navigate U
- Brotherhood Kickoff
- Lunch and Learns/Dinner and Dialogues
Student Expectations
Attend three out of the eight MMSI program events per academic year
Meet with their assigned advisor at least twice a semester
Have an active academic plan in Navigate
Meet with MMSI staff at least twice a semester to check in on progress
Attend at least one M.I.S.T.E.R. Club event per semester
Program Events
Brotherhood Meet and Greet Luncheon
- Date: Wednesday September 7
- Time: 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
- Location: South Campus
- Building S201 Room 225
An opportunity for students in MMSI and minority males attending Rowan-Cabarrus to meet each other in addition to other minority male figures within the College and local community.
Stereotypes of a Black Male: Misunderstood Discussion Series Part I
- Date: Thursday September 22
- Time: 6 p.m.- 7 p.m.
- Location: South Campus
- Building S201 Room 225
This is a three-part series that will provide students in MMSI and minority males attending Rowan-Cabarrus as well as other minority male figures within the College and local community an opportunity to have an open discussion about being a minority in America.
Stereotypes of a Black Male: Misunderstood Discussion Series Part II
- Date: Thursday October 20
- Time: 6 p.m.- 7 p.m.
- Location: Virtual
This is a three-part series that will provide students in MMSI and minority males attending Rowan-Cabarrus as well as other minority male figures within the College and local community an opportunity to have an open discussion about being a minority in America.
RSVP at https://rccc-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYscu2trjoqH9UE97Jx1aKUqevRozJaWpqe_
Open Mic: A Love Letter to Hip-Hop (In Honor of Hip-Hop Month)
- Date: Tuesday November 1
- Time: 12: 30 p.m.- 2 p.m.
- Location: South Campus
- Building S201 Room 225
Have you ever turned-on music and thought: “What did she/he just say?” In this Cultural Confidence series, participants will listen to songs and analyze the lyrics, with the purpose of learning how other cultures communicate, tell stories, or fight for social justice. Featuring Dr. Michael Brooks and Dr. Jeff Wolfgang from North Carolina A&T State University.
Stereotypes of a Black Male: Misunderstood Discussion Series Part III
- Date: Thursday November 10
- Time: 6 p.m.- 7 p.m.
- Location: North Campus
- Building N106 Room 104
This is a three-part series that will provide students in MMSI and minority males attending Rowan-Cabarrus as well as other minority male figures within the College and local community an opportunity to have an open discussion about being a minority in America.
The Modern Gentleman: The Art of Etiquette Part I
- Date: Wednesday November 15
- Time: 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
- Location: Virtual
A wise man once said that “a gentleman is not defined by the content of his wallet or the cut of his suit. He is defined by his manners and the content of his character.” This two-part interactive workshop is designed to help you present yourself at your personal and professional best. Topics will include:
- Men Issues in the Today’s Society and Finding Solutions
- Presentation and Image
- Confident Conversations
- Dining Etiquette
*Students who attend both part I and II will be invited to attend a dinner where you will put what you learned into action.*
RSVP at https://rccc-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAtcu-uqTIrGNIzDLs7PS5dZTeXKFF51Tc5)
The Modern Gentleman: The Art of Etiquette Part II
- Date: Tuesday November 29
- Time: 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.
- Location: South Campus
- Building S201 Room 225
A wise man once said that “a gentleman is not defined by the content of his wallet or the cut of his suit. He is defined by his manners and the content of his character.” This two-part interactive workshop is designed to help you present yourself at your personal and professional best. Topics will include:
- Communication Essentials
- Presentation and Image
- Confident Conversations
- Dining Etiquette
*Students who attend both part I and II will be invited to attend a dinner where you will put what you learned into action.*
RSVP at https://forms.gle/PDxSEjRtADBKQTEU9
The Modern Gentleman: The Art of Etiquette Dinner
- Date: Thursday December 8
- Time: 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
- Location: A Local Restaurant (TBD)
Students who participated in “The Modern Gentleman: The Art of Etiquette Part I & II” workshops will be provided an opportunity to display the skills and strategies learned to include but not limited to communication, presentation and image. This is by invitation only.
M.I.S.T.E.R. Club Meeting
- Date: 2nd Tuesday of each month (starting September 13)
- Time: 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
- Location: Virtual
- (https://rccc-edu.zoom.us/j/97307189182)
Man, Cave Mondays
- Date: 1st Monday of each month (starting October 3)
- Time: 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
- Location: Virtual
- (https://rccc-edu.zoom.us/j/98093227406)
Man, Cave Mondays are a way for you to start each month with motivation and mentoring. Starting with MMSI program updates and announcements, each session will feature a special guest speaker from the campus or the community who will provide perspective and inspiration. *Students will use the Clifton StrengthsFinder helps identify the areas where they have the greatest potential for building strength.*