Programs & Initiatives

The following is a list of some (but not all) programs and initiatives sponsored by the Office of Multi–Ethnic Student Affairs & the W. M. Trotter Multicultural Center as part of our effort to fufill our Mission and Vision. They have been developed within defined work areas that support our campus climate needs and multi–ethnic student communities in a holistic, multicultural framework. These programs are being sponsored as part of our mission to foster the diversity within our communities, promote mature intercultural interaction, and educate our campus on issues of race, ethnicity, and social justice.

MESA/TMC Events Calendar

Heritage Month Celebration

The University of Michigan offers a range of programs, performances, lectures and other events in celebration of the rich heritage of communities of color that are reflected at the University. The Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs is committed to partnering with student organizations, departments and units to contribute to these efforts during the recognized months and throughout the academic year. MESA/TMC initiates and supports the creation and distribution of several event calendars and listserv announcements, develops MESA/TMC signature events for heritage months, and participates in committee partnerships with other University units and departments. Students, staff, and faculty are invited to join the committees to help coordinate the efforts for the month(s). If you are interested in joining a committee, please email mesastaff@umich.edu.

Nourish: A lunch series for women of color

The Nourish Program is partnership by Office of Multi–Ethnic Student Affairs and the Office of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) addressing some of the unique needs and experiences of women of color. The program seeks to empower women of color around issues of identity, intercultural competency, and health and wellness that affect them in an open, spirited atmosphere. The program welcomes all University of Michigan women of color – undergraduate and graduate, faculty and staff. The purpose of this dialogue is to create much–needed safe spaces to discuss relevant and often sensitive issues specific to women’s experiences within marginalized communities. It offers a space for self–expression, reflection, and open dialogue. Additionally, free lunch is provided to participants. The sessions occur on Thursdays from 11:30am–1:00pm in the MSA Chambers of the Michigan Union (3rd floor).

TMC Taste of Culture & The Year End TMC Community Festival (TCF)

The Taste of Culture is part of the University's Welcome Week celebrations. The program is designed to promote the Trotter Multicultural Center and introduce students to the facility and learn about resources for diverse populations in the Ann Arbor area. The event boasts live music, authentic cultural foods of various demographics, giveaways as well as family-friendly activities.

The Community Festival, organized as an end of year, is a closing community celebration where we can recognize and celebrate with our graduating seniors. It also provides a time where community members can enjoy their accomplishments and the academic year’s closure. This event is an opportunity for community members to bid farewell to our seniors, as well as initiate their welcome as future alumni. Both of these events are free and open to the general public!

Visit the MESA/TMC events calendar

On the Real...

MESA/TMC Fall 2009 Newsletter

MESA/TMC Winter 2009 Newsletter

MESA/TMC Fall 2008 Newsletter

MESA/TMC Programming Initiatives

Community Summits

The goal of the summits will be to enable dialogue within communities in order to generate an inventory of issues that will assist the Division of Student Affairs, MESA and the Trotter Center in addressing the needs of our student communities. Issues include, but are not limited to, campus climate, discrimination, identity, and community unity. Due to the time, energy, and resources invested in each summit, they will take place once or twice each semester, with the goal of each "community" having their own summit every two or three years.

MAP: MESA Affiliate Program

M.A.P. is a program specifically designed to connect diverse student leaders involved in various multicultural organizations with the goal of forming partnerships and coalitions that create sustainable change within the campus community.  Throughout the program, M.A.P. participants will develop their intercultural leadership skills, practice community organizing and gain experience in organizational and program development. 
 


The M.A.P. Program is designed for students actively involved in multicultural organizations that are interested in the following:

 
· Building relationships with other student leaders from multicultural organizations


· Creating cross-cultural connections


· Developing intercultural leadership skills


· Discussing current topics & exchanging ideas in a safe space


· Receiving on-going advising and support from MESA/Trotter professional staff
 

Community Based First Year Supported Programs

The ALMA Program

Assisting Latinos to Maximize Achievement (ALMA) is dedicated to promoting personal and academic success amongst incoming Latina/o students at the University of Michigan. The program seeks to accomplish this through educating incoming students on available campus resources and illustrating the presence of the Latina/o community on campus. By facilitating networking between incoming students and returning students, faculty, and staff, the ALMA Program aims to establish mentorship to assist in the retention of Latina/o students at the University of Michigan. By providing a safe environment for new Latino/a students to further explore their identities, the A.L.M.A. Program seeks to create a better sense of community that provides an enhanced environment of learning for future Latino/a students. For further information, visit the ALMA website.

The SIBS Program

Support for Incoming Black Students (SIBS) was created to promote retention and support of Black/African–American students through mentor pairings between freshmen and upper class students of African descent. The SIBS mission is twofold: First, SIBS is dedicated to fostering academic and social success among freshmen in practical, immediate, and meaningful ways. Second, SIBS aspires to build community within the Black student body through encouraging social engagement, activism and organizational participation. As such, SIBS mentors connect freshmen with student–run organizations of African descent and promote participation in student–focused programming sponsored by various University units, offices and departments. Finally, SIBS is also committed to taking advantage of opportunities that are not specifically designated for students of African descent; campus services for the entire University community (for example, health awareness programs, lectures, art, and cultural events) are also part of what will assist students in having a full and successful experience at the University of Michigan. In encouraging mutual education between mentor pairings, SIBS ultimately hopes to raise cultural awareness among African–American/Black students while building a committed and engaged student body.