Multicultural Academic Student Services (MASS)
Diversity. Inclusion.
It’s who we are.
It’s what we do.
Welcome to the Office of Multicultural Academic Student Services. Within the Center for Inclusion and Diversity, our office plays
a critical role in providing the campus community with various opportunities to create awareness regarding the diversity that exists at our university. We accomplish this goal through our cultural programming efforts, scholarship opportunities, minority-mentoring
initiatives, student engagement and so much more.
Above and beyond our programs and resources, we strive to engender and maintain an inclusive environment where we CELEBRATE our diversity. Doing so presents our students' continual
opportunities for personal growth and development. We also direct our energies to EDUCATE ourselves and those we serve in order to achieve appropriate levels of mindfulness and sensitivity to build bridges for a better tomorrow.
According
to the distinguished author and speaker Ola Joseph, “Diversity is not about how we differ. Diversity is about embracing one another’s uniqueness.” Multicultural Academic Student Services is here to support your journey of cultural exploration
and self-discovery. So, get involved and stay connected with us. It is our honor to serve you.
Take care,
James Span, Jr.
Executive Director
Student Inclusion and Diversity
Multicultural Academic Student Services
![A group of international students pose for the camera during CMU's annual Get Acquainted Day](/images/default-source/student-affairs-division/center-for-student-inclusion-and-diversity/mass/masscarousel1d33ca2fb-ff38-4ccc-9fc3-3c7036162891.jpg?sfvrsn=f6e6178a_6)
Get Acquainted Day
The name speaks for itself. For over 35 years, MASS has provided an intimate opportunity for new students, returners, faculty, staff and the community to come together and celebrate the start of a new academic year.
![Female dancer in large, vibrant and flowing red dress](/images/default-source/student-affairs-division/center-for-student-inclusion-and-diversity/mass/masscarousel236d493fe-f369-41e3-a7df-5c5598a94306.jpg?sfvrsn=4817e762_5)
Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month at Central Michigan University is celebrated annually September 15 to October 15. In conjunction with other national celebrations, we recognize the contributions made and the important presence of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States, Michigan and CMU. Join us in celebration of Hispanic heritage and culture.
![A dance competition participant at CMU's annual Pow wow](/images/default-source/student-affairs-division/center-for-student-inclusion-and-diversity/mass/masscarousel38b9bc10a-27ff-47f5-abe5-d1e52fb1ff66.jpg?sfvrsn=9080ae70_10)
Native American Heritage Month
"As the first people to live on the land we all cherish, American Indians and Alaska Natives have profoundly shaped our country's character and our cultural heritage. Today, Native Americans are leaders in every aspect of our society -- from the classroom, to the boardroom, to the battlefield. This month, we celebrate and honor the many ways American Indians and Alaska Natives have enriched our Nation, and we renew our commitment to respecting each tribe's identity while ensuring equal opportunity to pursue the American dream." - President Barack Obama
![Students holding up a banner of Martin Luther King Jr. during the annual MLK Week march](/images/default-source/student-affairs-division/center-for-student-inclusion-and-diversity/mass/masscarousel475b5206c-8b34-4f7f-92d3-a432368ed6d4.jpg?sfvrsn=29e05f03_5)
Martin Luther King, Jr. Week
"A Day On, not a Day Off" is how Martin Luther King, Jr. Week is celebrated at Central Michigan University. Annually, the third week in January kicks off the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy with a week of activities organized by the Multicultural Academic Student Services. Most events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. Seating is limited on a first-come, first-served basis.
![A Black female dancer swings braids to music](/images/default-source/student-affairs-division/center-for-student-inclusion-and-diversity/mass/masscarousel53e178a0d-2d03-4c5f-9850-9d50a7328557.jpg?sfvrsn=38510b50_5)
Black History Month
Black History Month at Central Michigan University is celebrated annually during the entire month of February. In conjunction with other national celebrations, we recognize the contributions made and the important presence of African Americans to the United States, Michigan and CMU. Join us in celebration of Black History and culture.
![A group of female dancers dressed in traditional Pacific Island attire](/images/default-source/student-affairs-division/center-for-student-inclusion-and-diversity/mass/masscarousel675bb5bac-c5c8-4418-b7f5-9a13a963345f.jpg?sfvrsn=aa85807_5)
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
"During Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we honor the perseverance of those who courageously reached for their hopes and dreams in a new land, and we celebrate the important impact the AAPI community has made on our Nation's progress." (President Barack Obama). While Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is celebrated nationally during the month of May, CMU celebrates March 15 to April 15, during the spring semester.
![Dr. Abdul El-Sayed speaks at CMU event](/images/default-source/student-affairs-division/center-for-student-inclusion-and-diversity/mass/masscarousel710683150-64fc-472f-ab0b-95971eca4b04.jpg?sfvrsn=e696d4e6_4)
Arab American Heritage Month
National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM) is a time for celebrating the history, contributions, and culture of the diverse population of Arab Americans. In 2019, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) issued a congressional resolution for NAAHM to be recognized on a national scale.
![Students embrace at the International Student Expo](/images/default-source/student-affairs-division/center-for-student-inclusion-and-diversity/mass/2019-132-040-international-student-expo-1800x720c4664e9b-44e5-4eac-80b6-f31056073252.jpg?sfvrsn=36c00a76_9)
CMU Mentor Collective
At CMU, we've partnered with Mentor Collective, the leading provider of high-impact mentoring programs, to offer the CMU Mentor Collective Program. In our program, we pair incoming first-year and transfer students with a relevant upper-division peer mentor.