Diversity Units

The work to advance cultural change in ways that impact the entire institution cannot take place in one office or under a single initiative. At CMU, the work to achieve diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging happens through the efforts of units that work alongside the Office for Institutional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. We call these "diversity units."

The Central Michigan Univerity seal on Warriner Mall.

MI GEAR UP

MI GEAR UP (Michigan, Gaining Early Awareness & Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a grant awarded to Central Michigan University. It is funded by the Department of Labor and Economic Growth and the U.S. Department of Education King-Chavez-Parks Initiative, Workforce Development Agency. 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 MI GEAR UP grant serves more than 925 students in seven Michigan schools with the goal of providing information and encouraging students to graduate and go on to college prepared to succeed. MI GEAR UP coordinates with CMU departments to provide on-campus experiences for program students. CMU students gain valuable mentoring, volunteering, and hands-on experience working with MI GEAR UP student programs.

Office of Multicultural Academic Student Services

Office of Multicultural Academic Student Services (MASS) 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, MASS 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 MASS 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. MASS actively promotes the appreciation and pride for cultural diversity on campus and in the Mount Pleasant community.

Diversity Education

Diversity Education 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 Department of Diversity Education also provides co-curricular 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.

Office of Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Services

Office of Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Services coordinates programs that raise awareness about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) 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.

Office of Indigenous Affairs

The Office of Indigenous Affairs focuses on the recruiting and retention of indigenous 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.

4S Pathways to Academic Student Success

4S Pathways to Academic Student Success program will target 1560 low-income and/or first-generation CMU students over the course of six years. The goal is to achieve increased grade point averages, advancement of academic standing, acceptance into majors and increased graduation rates. Pathways will infuse new programs into the university community to meet students' differential needs through four core groupings of support services; 1) orientation, academic guidance, and tutoring; 2) FYE or SI courses; 3) financial and career counseling, and; 4) mentoring and leadership development.

Student Transition Enrichment Program

Student Transition Enrichment Program (a MiCUP grant) provides support services for first-generation and/or low-income students who transfer from Bay Mills Community College, Delta College, Lansing Community College, Mid-Michigan Community College and Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College.

Upward Bound

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.