A Dynamic Community

A dynamic mix of people, cultures, backgrounds, nationalities, ideas, and ways of seeing the world—this is the foundation for the University of Michigan campus community. Any institution that attracts the quantity and quality of students Michigan does is marked by a vibrant atmosphere. Michigan students come from all 50 states and 114 countries. We draw students with diverse socioeconomic, cultural, religious, global, political, and academic backgrounds—from first-generation students to native Americans to international students from Zambia—for one crucial reason. An education in differences is the linchpin to the type of whole-student experience we strive for. Ultimately, the interactions and discussions that happen in relation to differences—both in understanding and affirming them—may be the most important lessons Michigan students learn as they prepare for life in the 21^st century. On this campus, improving the lives of others has been a driving force for many, including:

• Dennis Borel (Class of ’74) drew on finance skills he gained at the U-M School of Business to help get a bill passed in Texas that granted tax credits to companies who hire people with disabilities.

• Bunyan Bryant, professor of natural resources and urban planning, earned national recognition as an educator, social activist, and pioneer in the environmental justice movement when The Deep South Center for Environmental Justice at Dillard University presented him the Damus Smith Power-of-One Environmental Justice Award.

• Thanks to the leadership of Director Cinda-Sue Davis, the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) program has received national recognition, including a U.S. Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring.

On this campus, inclusivity is an everyday concern, realized through numerous formal and informal channels of support. The University has a long tradition of nurturing the best in all of its people, a tradition that has become richer and more dynamic over time. A full range of services, programs, and organizations have been put in place to raise cultural awareness and strengthen the bond of this community, among them:

• Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives (OAMI) Dialogues on Diversity
• Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs (MESA)
• Inroads—a national organization that provides career development and internships
• Program on Intergroup Relations (IGR)
• Michigan Learning Communities (MLC) — residential and non-residential academic programs committed to creating diverse communities and their students’ success
• Comprehensive Studies Program (CSP)
• Center for Engineering Diversity and Outreach (CEDO)
• Spectrum Center
• Office of Student Activities and Leadership (SAL)

For More Resources:
www.diversity.umich.edu/about