Maintaining one of the most ethnically diverse campuses in the Midwest and promoting its value to students is not always easy. That's why the Center for Multicultural Affairs is such an important part of Eastern Michigan University.
Located in 220 King Hall, the Multicultural Center is a resource not only for minority students, but all members of the campus community who are interested in exploring diversity.
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MARIACHI MUSIC: A band of mariachis play
their upbeat sound outside Welch Hall
during Hispanic Heritage Month last year.
Hispanic Heritage Month is one of many
activities or events sponsored by Eastern
Michigan University's Multicultural
Center. |
U.S. News and World Report has long recognized EMU for its ethnically diverse student body. In 2003, the University ranked 19th in the magazines's category for diversity. The University's largest minority group is African-American, composing 16 percent of the student body.
Established in 1989 as a resource for African-American, Latino and Native-American students, the Multicultural Center, along with many other student services under the umbrella of the ombudsman (formerly Dean of Students Office), moved from Goodison Hall in 1998 to King Hall.
"I think the focus of the center has really broadened," said Gregory Peoples, ombudsman in the Division of Student Affairs. "Originally, the purpose was to provide African-American, Native American and Latino students a relaxing environment and a place to study."
The center now provides diversity training and a number of cultural awareness workshops for students, faculty and staff. The center also sponsors many activities, including the annual Pow Wow organized by the Native American Student Organization, and events for Hispanic Heritage and Black History months.
Peoples said the center co-sponsors activities and guest speakers with the University's academic departments. In the past, the center and the English department co-sponsored a Native American storyteller. For Hispanic Heritage Month, the center and the social work department co-sponsored a Latino speaker's visit to campus.
The center has been without a coordinator since January 2002. In the meantime, students fulfill some office duties, including scheduling programs, arranging a calendar and meeting visitors. Judy Sturgis-Hill, associate director of diversity programs, currently supervises the center.
