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.

The following is a listing of the various heritage months celebrated on campus:

Hispanic Heritage Month: September/October

Native American Indian Heritage Month: November

Black History Month: February

Women's History Month: March

Asian/Pacific Islander American Heritage Month: March (Nationally recognized in May)

Arab-American Heritage Month: April

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).

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!

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.

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.

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.