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The Ida Cerezo O'Donnell Unity Center

In 2025, Massasoit Community College designated the Ida Cerezo O’Donnell Unity Center as the primary office to support international, immigrant, and ESL students, strengthening the College’s commitment to inclusion and global engagement.

The Ida Cerezo O’Donnell Unity Center is a welcoming “home away from home,” providing guidance from the admissions process through graduation. We support students with applying to Massasoit, transitioning to college life in the United States, building English language skills, and navigating academic and immigration-related matters, visa regulations, school transfers, F- 1 work permission and travel to other countries.

Through cultural programs and community-building events, the Unity Center creates opportunities for students to connect, learn from one another, and find their place at Massasoit—both in and out of the classroom.
 
We are located on the lower level of the Brockton Campus Student Center in SC121 (around the corner from Student Life).

Office Email: internationalstudent@massasoit.mass.edu

Unity Center

The Unity Center is committed to empowering international, immigrant, and ESL students to thrive academically, socially, and personally. We offer comprehensive support—from international admissions and student visa guidance to academic advising and cultural orientation—helping students transition smoothly into life and learning in the United States. Our goal is to enable students to achieve their academic aspirations, engage in leadership opportunities, and grow as confident, globally minded members of the Massasoit community.

Joia Souza Dacaret

Director of the Unity Center, International Student Advisor/PDSO
jfontenelesouza@massasoit.mass.edu

Book time with Joia Souza Dacaret

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ONLY (Portuguese and Spanish language speaker. Brockton Campus)

joia souza dacaret

 

Donna LeClair
Program Coordinator/ Women’s Resource Specialist
dleclair2@massasoit.mass.edu
508-588-9100 x1484

Office: Student Center, SC121B (Brockton)

Pronouns: She, her, hers

 

Unity Center Offerings

What We Do

International Student Support & Admissions
The Unity Center offers guidance and services that address the unique needs of international, immigrant, and ESL students—from application to graduation. Our support includes:

  • Assistance with international admissions and the application process
  • Orientation programs to help students transition smoothly to Massasoit
  • Guidance on academic expectations and navigating college systems
  • Advising on common student experiences and challenges
  • Support with immigration-related questions and resources
  • Assistance with school transfers, employment authorization, and travel considerations
  • Support for ESL students in building language skills and transitioning into college-level coursework

Student Success & Community Building
We are committed to helping international and immigrant students:

  • Adjust to a new community and college environment
  • Build meaningful connections with peers, faculty, and staff
  • Discover opportunities to grow academically and professionally
  • Find their place on campus—whether in-person or online

Intercultural Programs & Activities
The Unity Center organizes cultural, educational, and social programs that celebrate diversity and foster a global perspective. These events create opportunities for students to:

  • Share their cultures and experiences
  • Learn from one another
  • Engage in meaningful dialogue around global and intercultural topics

Through these programs, we aim to foster mutual understanding, respect, and a strong sense of community across campus.