Diversity Student Services

The mission of the Diversity Student Services Office is to facilitate the academic success and social well-being of African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Asian American and to actively promote a campus climate and culture that fosters safe positive human relations for all students.

The office staff assists students with financial advisement, academic counseling, student organization support and personal support activities.  Diversity Student Services also participates in the recruitment efforts of the university by providing pre-enrollment outreach to junior high, high school, and transfer students.

To enhance the university community, staff promotes and facilitates campus-wide cultural awareness programs and celebrations such as Open Public Forums, Hispanic Heritage Month, Native American Heritage Month and Black History Month.  Office staff also provides diversity awareness workshops for campus and community groups.

The office administers two state-funded grant programs sponsored by the King Chavez Parks Initiative: The College Day Program and the Gateway Academic Program (GAP).

The College Day Program

The College Day Program is designed to encourage Native American and other ethnic students to pursue college studies.  In addtion to sponsoring an Indian Educator's Conference, Wildcat Getaway Weekend, Native American Female Retreat, Pow Wow Fever Feast and a Native American Summer Youth Program, The College Day Program provides opportunities for NMU students to:

• take students through a typical college day by serving as "student shadows."

• travel to schools around the Upper Peninsula to share the value of continuing education beyond high school.

• serve as mentors and counselors at the annual Native American Summer Youth Program and periodic retreats.

• social activities