The Office of Multi-ethnic Student Affairs (OMSA) works, in part, to provide diversity education for the campus and local community. The staff coordinates campus-wide diversity programs, such as workshops, lectures, performances, and cultural celebrations. The Black Students’ Association, Proyecto Latino, Women of Images, Delta Phi Alpha, Dream, Dené, Men of Harambee, and Ujamaa are student groups that work with OMSA to support diversity issues on campus and in the local community.

All students can receive individual assistance from OMSA, as it is part of the Dean of Students Office. OMSA also addresses the more specific needs of students from underrepresented minority groups in the United States; African-American, Latino/Chicano-American, Asian-American and Native American. The Assistant Dean/Director and the Administrative Intern assist students as they encounter academic, financial, personal and social concerns.

In August, first year students and their parents/guardians are invited to attend an optional pre-orientation session. The one-day session, “Life at Wooster: A Reality Check” gives new students and their families the opportunity to meet faculty, current students, staff and alumni who can answer questions and discuss aspects of college life on a predominantly white campus. Information about various resources in and around Wooster is also provided at the session.

The “Life at Wooster” program ends with an evening reception to welcome the newest members of the multi-ethnic community. It provides an early opportunity for new students and their parents/guardians to meet members of the Orientation staff, Residence Life staff, the Dean of Students, Dean of Faculty, Vice-President for Academic Affairs and the college President.

The Office of Multi-ethnic Student Affairs works year-round with various academic and administrative departments, the students, alumni and local groups to help foster positive interactions and dialogues within the entire Wooster community. For more information, please refer to the calendar of events or call the office at 330.263.2545.

Collage