Community impact and student success have been a driving force behind the missions of three units that report to the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (ODEI).
Beginning this fall, the Center for Educational Outreach (CEO), Detroit Center and Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives (OAMI) will continue in those missions while placing an even greater emphasis serving the university community.
Center for Educational Outreach
Initially focused on college access, supportive services to U-M/community partners and providing information on U-M’s outreach efforts, CEO is now serving in an even greater capacity in supporting U-M’s outreach initiatives.
“The changes at CEO mainly reflect a change in emphasis. CEO will continue to encourage the development of a college-going culture in under-served schools and will emphasize support for university initiatives offered by students, faculty or staff,” says Nick Collins, director of CEO.
With a greater emphasis on supporting U-M’s current outreach initiatives, CEO’s collaboration, coordination and supporting expertise is already making an impact across campus. In collaboration with the Museum of Natural History, CEO is helping to expand the “Science for Tomorrow” program to reach more middle school students.
Signature initiatives, such as Wolverine Express, the Watson A. Young scholarship program and outreach training program for U-M students will continue to be core elements of the unit.
Detroit Center
Founded in 2005 as a multi-use facility, the Detroit Center’s staff is transitioning from a facility management focus to one that supports community relations with the city of Detroit and exemplifies U-M’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
“The Detroit Center staff is excited about finding ways to more effectively initiate and support university-community relationships, as well as taking advantage of the dynamic cultural, research and service-learning opportunities Detroit has to offer,” says Addell Anderson, director of the Detroit Center.
Popular events, such as the Detroiter Hall of Fame, Concert of Colors and Noel Night, will continue under this renewed focus, while new pilot initiatives, such as Detroit engagement workshops, summer camp fair, and Detroit-centered symposiums, will round out the annual programming.
Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives
OAMI’s primary goal since launching in 1987 has always been ensuring students’ success. That goal remains unchanged as the focus of programs has now shifted from pre-college students to students who are currently enrolled at U-M.
“You may say that OAMI has just gone through a minor renovation, however, serving students is still our foundation,” says Gloria Taylor, director of OAMI. “The floor-plan is the same, several walls have been eliminated and the doors have been widened to welcome more students.”
OAMI is retaining three of its most popular and impactful programs: its celebratory graduation programs that highlight student success, Student Academic Multicultural Initiatives and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium.
OAMI will continue its tradition of promoting student success through its new program, “SuccessConnects.” This new initiative will provide information, activities and workshops that will connect students to the variety of resources U-M has to offer. Students participating in the program will work with a dedicated success coach to help assist with navigating their college journey.
To learn more about the programs and initiatives of these units, visit odei.umich.edu/units
By Mike Morland – Office of the Vice Provost for Equity, Inclusion & Academic Affairs