Diversity Units

There are six units under the Office for Institutional Diversity that strive to create a welcoming and respectful environment of diversity.

  • GEAR UP/CD (Gaining Early Awareness & Readiness for Undergraduate Programs/College Day) is a grant awarded to CMU and Flint Community Schools. It is funded by the Department of Labor and Economic Growth and the U.S. Department of Education. The program facilitates student tutoring, mentoring, and offers workshops on college preparation and financial aid. It also assists schools and teachers to better prepare middle and high school students for college studies. The GEAR UP grant serves more than 1,200 students in five Flint schools with the goal of providing information and encouraging students to graduate and go on to college prepared to succeed.

    GEAR UP/CD coordinates with CMU departments to provide on-campus experiences for Flint students. CMU students gain valuable mentoring, volunteering, and hands-on experience working with GEAR UP student programs.
  • Minority Student Services (MSS) assists students in acclimating to the cultural, racial, and ethnic diversity climate at CMU. The office coordinates a variety of services, programs, and activities designed to assist students academically, socially, professionally and personally. In particular, MSS focuses on the needs and concerns of African American, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino American, and Native American students.  The office works closely with diverse student groups in planning implementing academic, social, and recreation activities.  Specific programs and initiatives offered through MSS include, but are not limited to, cultural celebrations, Supplemental Instruction, Men About Change mentoring program, and retention initiatives for the Multicultural Advancement, Distinction and Lloyd M. Cofer scholarship recipients.

    MSS actively promotes the appreciation and pride for cultural diversity on campus and in the Mount Pleasant community.
  • The Multicultural Education Center (MEC) represents diverse backgrounds and cultures on campus and helps fulfill the university's mission to increase students' respect, acceptance, and understanding of diverse people. The office coordinates diversity training and workshops conducted on and off campus.  The MEC also provides cocurricular activities that complement CMU's academic programs. These activities include art exhibits from around the world, concerts by contemporary blues, jazz, and other musicians, workshops on multicultural education, presentations by guest speakers, and more.
  • The Office of Gay and Lesbian Programs coordinates programs that raise the awareness about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) concerns. In addition to its important educational roles, this office supports and gathers resources to meet the needs of these communities. The office holds programs, classroom presentations, and forums addressing various topics related to sexual orientation/identity and gender identity/expression. Office resources include literature on social and political issues and subscriptions to a number of journals and publications.
  • The Native American Programs Office (NAP) focuses on the recruiting and retention of Native American students to higher education, creating a comfortable environment on campus, and assisting students in their programs and life endeavors.  NAP seeks to increase awareness of cultural, social, and artistic traditions of the Native American culture on campus and through community outreach.
  • The Upward Bound program is a federally funded pre-college program offered by the U.S. Department of Education. It helps economically disadvantaged and/or first generation of college-bound students complete high school and prepare for college. Eligible students must participate in the three-week living-learning experience on the campus of CMU, the host institution for Upward Bound. Guided by the motto "Where Preparation Meets Opportunity", Upward Bound staff members offer as much assistance as possible to introduce and prepare students for a college education. Support services include all aspects of the college admissions process such as financial aid, scholarships, academic advising, and college application research and preparation. Students also receive free tutoring for all subjects and ACT test preparation. In an effort to open the eyes, hearts, and minds of each participant, Upward Bound provides weekly programs that highlight cultural appreciation, personal and career development, and social awareness on issues that affect their future.