Minority Student Services (MSS)
MSS Students

Minority Student Services Mission Statement

Central Michigan University's Minority Student Services is a comprehensive office which provides academic, personal, social and cultural support to students. To empower and retain students, the MSS team provides and enhances a campus environment where diversity is understood and celebrated.

 

Programs

SI (Supplemental Instruction) Program


Click here for information on the SI leaders and the SI schedule.

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a series of weekly review sessions for students taking historically difficult courses (courses having a 30% "D", Fail, or Withdraw Rate). SI is provided for all students who want to improve their understanding of course material and their grades. CMU statistics show that SI attendees improve their grade by approximately 30% - 50% more than those students who do not utilize the program. Each SI session is led by a SI Leader, who is a competent student who had previously completed and excelled in the course, is specially trained in SI methods, and attends the class to take notes and model effective student behavior. Typically, the course the SI Leader is assigned to is in the field of study which they are majoring in. SI is a chance for students in the class to get together to compare notes, discuss important concepts, develop strategies for studying the subject, and to test themselves before the professor does. By attending SI, students will have developed a better understanding of course content, as well as more effective ways of studying. These study skills and techniques help the student in the SI course as well as in their other courses.

 

 

Multicultural Advancement and Lloyd Cofer Scholars Residential College (MACRC)

Opening its doors for the first time in fall 2006, the Multicultural Advancement and Lloyd Cofer Scholars Residential College (MACRC) located in Troutman Hall houses the scholarship recipients who share the common goal of academic achievement, service and diversity. The dynamic new living and learning community aims to increase student success and retention through academic and social support services. Emphasis is placed on promoting academic achievement, increasing support though peer relationship, and encouraging individual growth at Central Michigan University.

The workshops, social activities, and programs hosted by the MACRC provide students with valuable experiences that contribute to individual success through:

  • academic planning
  • career planning
  • graduate school preparation
  • campus involvement
  • peer mentoring/advising
  • peer tutoring
  • civic engagement
  • leadership development
  • diversity and cultural understanding

In addition to the advantage of reduced occupancy that residents enjoy, some of the other unique opportunities offered include:

  • assistance from peer advisors
  • access to personal tutors
  • study hall sessions
  • four-year academic planning session
  • cultural field trip
  • group community service project

Located centrally as part of the Towers complex, residents have the easy access to fitness center, convenience store, residential restaurant, video & gaming rental shop, math and writing center, academic advisors and computer lab. The MACRC accomplishes its goal by creating a close-knit community of scholars who are socially active and concerned with promoting diversity and understanding in our larger campus community.

 

Men About Change

Men About Change is a male mentoring program that was initiated by Minority Student Services in the fall of 2007. This program provides young men at Central Michigan University with the opportunity to enhance their leadership skills as well as obtain professional and academic guidance in order to help them obtain their undergraduate degrees while preparing the to assist other young men to do the same. The program serves to "build men to build men," fostering reciprocity to younger generations. Mentees are matched with graduate students, university faculty and staff male mentors to facilitate the changes the program seeks to create.

These young men will be provided this guidance with the expectation that they will provide the same guidance to an incoming freshman male as well as serving as a resource to their fellow students. By engaging male faculty, staff, and students as mentors, this program will function as a mechanism for increasing the retention of students at Central Michigan University.

The goals and objectives of Men About Change are to:
 

  • Increase retention of young men at CMU and ensure that they obtain their undergraduate degree
  • Increase civic engagement as well as the effectiveness of male leadership at CMU
  • Cultivate compassionate, progressive, and proactive mentality among young men at CMU
  • Prepare young men to be resources to their community

    • Participants

    This program is open to all. There is no cost to be a part of this initiative. We only require a little of your time and ask that you invest in your own future as well as your peer's. Participants of Men About Change will be granted a variety of free opportunities to develop academically, professionally, socially, and culturally. More specifically, involvement in this program will provide participants with the following:

  • Monthly workshops covering a variety of academic & professional development opportunities
  • One-on-one mentoring
  • Informational gatherings each month to aid social development
  • Free access to conferences
  • Provide you with useful information regarding campus and community resources
  • Resources that will enhance your cultural understanding of the world

    • How to get involved

    If you wish to get involved with this initiative as a undergraduate or graduate student, faculty or staff member, stop by or contact Minority Student Services for application at:
    Minority Student Services
    Bovee University Center 121
    989-774-3945 or mss@cmich.edu

     

    Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP)/College Day (CD) Program

    GU/CD mission

    Provide an opportunity for underrepresented students to discover first hand, the potential of a college education and to expose students to the information, knowledge, and skills they need to complete high school and prepare themselves adequately for college entry and success.

    Program Objectives

    1. Increase access to information for parents, student, education and administrators regarding the benefits and accessibility of postsecondary education in Michigan.
    2. Raise awareness of students’ and parents’ knowledge of financial aid opportunities for postsecondary study.
    3. Raise academic standards and expectations. Ensure that GU/CD students receive the academic preparation, social support and guidance necessary to succeed in college and the workforce.
    4. Increase professional development opportunities for teachers, counselors, and GU/CD staff.

    Through the GU/CD Program, CMU serves approximately 1500 7th grade students in 5 Flint community Schools (Holmes, Central, Northern, Northwestern, and Whittier Academies). Throughout the school year services that promote preparation for the pursuit of postsecondary education are provided in the school buildings and local Flint Community. Students also visit CMU’s campus to:

    • Participate in leadership and cu8ltural activities
    • Have exposure to the academic programs, facilities and resources
    • Attend college preparation workshops
    • Learn about student organizations and campus activities
    • Develop mentoring relationship with college students

    Campus visit program includes single day visits and summer residential programs. The GU/CD Program increases exposure to the information and experiences necessary for adequate preparation for higher education.