Can anyone go into the Office of Multi–Ethnic Student Affairs? Is the office for some groups, and not others?

MESA/TMC is open to the entire campus. It is part of the Division of Student Affairs and anyone is welcome to visit the office, meet its staff and find ways to become involved in the Office’s initiatives. We work to promote outreach and support to traditionally marginalized groups while supporting intercultural dialogue and meaningful connections within the entire campus community. We invite everyone to read our mission statement and discover ways to make MESA and TMC a part of your experience at U of M!

What happened to the Coordinators?

The structure of the office has changed, but our mission and dedication to the students remains the same. In order to reach a more diverse student body and tailor our programs to fit their current and emerging needs, we have altered the office structure so that the Director, Associate Director, Program Managers, student staff and administrative team can address the needs of the many identities that comprise our multicultural community.

Where can I go to receive information about the different student–run organizations on campus?

We work closely with many student organizations on exciting initiatives, and as a result our staff can provide much information about these and other groups. MESA/TMC also actively refers students to Student Activities and Leadership (SAL) to find ways to create and join the various groups offered through using the SOAR (Student Organization And Recognition) process.

How can a student or student group become involved with MESA and TMC?

Students or student groups may get involved with our office through our heritage month and community summit committees. See our programs and initiatives for more information.

When did the Trotter House become known as the Trotter Multicultural Center (TMC)?

The Trotter House became known as the William Monroe Trotter Multicultural Center in the 1980s. The name changed to encompass the new vision of the Center as it began to serve a diverse student body and to create and implement a myriad of programming for the community. Trotter still acts as a house for students – it offers community space for meetings, events and socializing, and continues to be a site for casual student drop–ins.

Why is the Trotter Multicultural Center so far away?

It’s not as far as it seems! The Center’s location on the corner of South University and Washtenaw is a great place for both the small and large–scale events that occur there, and is walking distance to south and central campus. There is also a bus line, The Link, which stops directly behind the building on the South University side. The span of the property and the location allows for the flexibility to have several events and activities to occur simultaneously.

Does MESA/TMC give out money?

The awarding of MESA/TMC funds to student–run organizations and groups is not arbitrary. MESA/TMC has established grants and awards that students can apply to over the course of the year. MESA/TMC also actively partners student–run organizations to develop projects collaboratively and that adhere to our mission, and offers advising throughout the planning process. Visit Funding Opportunities to find out more.!

I noticed that there are student employees in MESA. Does each student on the student services team represent her/his ethnicity and provide services that identity group?

The Student Services Team is a newly comprised group of student paraprofessionals who assist in the implementation of the MESA/TMC service plan. The students are hired to provide services regardless of a shared identity with the groups served; their training, knowledge of and passion for many communities at UM is what permits them success in their roles. Each member of the team is involved in integral projects that contribute to the success of the office and Center.

Can graduate students come to MESA and TMC?

Yes! One of our goals is to conduct more outreach to graduate students and create opportunities for graduate and undergraduate mentorship opportunities. We also frequently hire graduate students to do research on behalf of the office.

Does MESA and TMC conduct diversity training?

MESA and TMC have been and continue to be involved in many initiatives that promote diversity, including the National Coalition Building Institute, but does not yet offer its own diversity training course. We hope to develop this area in the future, as it has potential to be impactful for the communities we serve, including staff and faculty. However, our body of work has diversity at its center and we actively create, support and promote initiatives that increase UM's collective consciousness around race and ethnicity, class, ability and sexual orientation.

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