What is the Center for Multicultural Initiatives?
The Center for Multicultural Initiatives (CMI) provides programs and services to increase the recruitment, retention and graduation of all students and particularly underrepresented racial and ethnic groups (African American, Latino and Native American). The office provides services to increase the academic and social success of students. Services include mentoring, referrals to campus resources, leadership development training and student support groups. The office also provides limited emergency financial assistance in the form of loans and scholarships granted to students beyond the first year.

Is the CMI just for underrepresented students?
No, all students are welcome to benefit from the services provided by the Center for Multicultural Initiatives.

Can I go to the CMI for scholarships and loans?
The CMI houses the nationally recognized Oakland University Trustee Academic Success (OUTAS) program which provides scholarships to entering freshmen who have demonstrated academic success and leadership development in high school with a 3.0 or better GPA and 21 or higher ACT score. The renewable $1000-$3000 scholarships require that students meet academic standards, as well as meet with a counselor, peer mentor, success group and attend a leadership development seminar. The CMI also provides limited emergency financial assistance in the form of loans and scholarships granted to students beyond the first year.

How can I become a Center for Multicultural Initiatives Peer Mentor?
Students who have a minimum 2.8 gpa and a strong commitment to leadership development and excellence can apply for consideration to become Peer Mentor staff. The extensive interviewing process is followed by a series of trainings in the spring and summer for those selected for the program. A competitive salary is offered. Students will mentor 5-7 individuals and will be responsible for a variety of initiatives through the CMI. CMI Peer Mentors are considered OU para-professionals who are trained and challenged throughout the year to think outside the box and help develop leaders for the future.

Does the CMI give scholarships to on campus students?
Students who have a demonstrated emergency financial need that will prevent them from continuing their education might be eligible for Retention Fund scholarships or loans. Students who have a minimum 3.0 gpa and who have demonstrated a commitment to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy of honoring intercultural relationships and interracial understanding through their actions at OU and beyond can apply for the annual Keeper of the Dream Award.

What other financial support does the Center for Multicultural Initiatives provide?
The CMI has a book voucher loan program, by which students in good standing who have a proven financial need can borrow, interest free, up to $250 to purchase books from the OU bookstore. The loan must be paid back to the CMI by the end of the semester.

What are the SUCCESS groups?
Success groups are designed to help students understand the adjustment issues that are faced by all college students, and how to best cope with those issues. They meet bi-weekly.

What does the CMI do besides scholarships, loans and support services?
The CMI sponsors and encourages campus wide initiatives that address the importance of diversity and pluralism. The CMI is active in all aspects of campus life - academic and social.

The CMI is involved in campus-wide programming initiatives such as the Keeper of the Dream Awards Celebration, which honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy of honoring intercultural relationships and interracial understanding. The Celebration honors students who have a minimum 3.0 grade point average and who have demonstrated a commitment to Dr. King's dream through their actions at OU and beyond. Three to five $2500-$5000 scholarships are awarded per year. The CMI also collaborates with departments across campus on Hispanic Celebration, Cultural Awareness Week, African American Celebration, Diversity Ambassadors and Diversity Programming Fund Proposal selection and funding.