Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Shawna Patterson-Stephens, Vice President for Inclusive Excellence and Belonging
Warriner 319; 989-774-3700
https://www.cmich.edu/offices-departments/institutional-diversity-equity-inclusion
The Office for Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (OIDEI) is the driving force behind CMU’s commitment to creating a culture of belonging. The work of our division emerges in the expansion of institutional policy, procedure, and practice as it relates to diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, and belonging. We aim to advance Central Michigan University as a pluralistic educational community that fosters growth and transformation in action and thought.
The Office for Institutional Diversity, Equity & Inclusion offers opportunities for faculty, staff and students to enhance their cultural competence by providing intercultural education, facilitating campus wide interaction, building collaborative partnerships to advance diversity and inclusion, and implementing educational opportunities that cultivate and sustain a supportive and inclusive campus community.
Center for Student Inclusion and Diversity
Bovee University Center 108, 989-774-3711; email: cid108@cmich.edu
Opening its doors in 2011, The Center for Student Inclusion and Diversity (CSID) houses several offices, programs and resources to support students’ academic, social and cultural education. Those offices include Multicultural Academic Student Services, Office of Indigenous Affairs, LGBTQ Services and Gender Equity Programs, and the Student Transition Enrichment Program (STEP).
The CSID provides a safe space that nurtures learning and the achievement of personal and educational goals through cultural enrichment, peer tutoring, mentoring, and leadership activities on campus. The CSID allows students a place to study and do homework, meet, hang out/relax, and access wireless internet.
The programs and services of the Center for Student Inclusion and Diversity foster academic achievement, leadership development, and advancement of all students at Central Michigan University. The CSID includes a conference room and a space for exhibits and receptions.
Multicultural Academic Student Services
The Office of Multicultural Academic Student Services (MASS) provides assistance to students with academic, personal, social concerns and cultural support. To empower and retain students, the staff provides and enhances a campus environment where diversity is understood and celebrated. The office coordinates student activities and retention services and serves as a representative voice for CMU’s students of color. The office works closely with diverse student groups in planning and implementing academic, social, and recreational activities. Programs and scholarships offered through the office include cultural celebrations, the Multicultural Award of Distinction, Lloyd M. Cofer and Multicultural Advancement scholarships. The office also offers mentoring through Men About Change, Women’s Initiative of Strength and Hope (WISH), Le Gente, Mentor Collective, and the IMPACT program. Additional objectives include establishing strong working relationships with existing university offices and departments on matters regarding educational policies and procedures, developmental program planning and evaluation, and student services relating to minorities. Contact information: Bovee University Center 112; 989-774-3945; e-mail: mass@cmich.edu.
Office of Indigenous Affairs
The cultural and social programs offered by the Office of Indigenous Affairs (OIA) allows the campus and local community to come together to learn about Indigenous culture and history. The office serves several purposes. OIA attracts Indigenous students to CMU and helps them achieve their educational goals; builds student leaders through committee work and internship programs; serves as a liaison to Michigan’s tribal communities to determine their educational needs; and sponsors programs that provide opportunities for everyone to experience Indigenous cultures through activities, workshops, and events. Contact Information: Bovee University Center 110C; 989-774-2508; e-mail: Indigenous@cmich.edu.
The Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Services and Gender Equity Programs
The purpose of the Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Services and Gender Equity Programs is to coordinate programs, to participate in educational forums to raise awareness of LGBTQ concerns, and to meet the needs of CMU’s LGBTQ community. Programs address issues of heterosexism, homophobia, transphobia, coming out and other issues related to the experience of sexual orientation and gender identity/gender expression. The office also supports the gender equity programming on campus, including the celebration of Women’s History Month. Contact information: Bovee University Center 125; 989-774-3637.
Student Transition Enrichment Program (STEP)
The Student Transition Enrichment Program (STEP), a MiCUP (Michigan College University Partnership) grant funded by the King-Chavez-Parks Initiative Workforce Development Agency, provides support services for first-generation and/or Pell Grant-eligible students who transfer into Central Michigan University. Programs and events include: Academic Advising, CMU Campus Visits, and Academic Workshops. The goal of STEP is to promote knowledge of the transfer process, academic programs and resources at CMU; build relationships; and develop academic, self-confidence, and career planning skills. Contact information: Bovee University Center 110C; 989-774-2508; e-mail: micup-step@cmich.edu.