Diversity is essential to Wayne State’s urban mission of preparing students from varied backgrounds and experiences to excel in an increasingly complex and global society. In fact, it’s so vital that it – along with inclusion – is both a core value and a focus area of the university’s 2016-21 strategic plan.
Wayne State deepened its commitment to a more inclusive campus by appointing its first associate provost for diversity and inclusion and chief diversity officer, Marquita Chamblee, in February. One of Chamblee’s top priorities upon her arrival was to establish the Office of Multicultural Student Engagement (OMSE) as a home base for students from historically marginalized communities. OMSE was created at the beginning of the fall semester.
Led by Leonard Savala, the OMSE serves as a point of connection for students. The goal is to provide an inclusive climate and awareness initiatives that promote academic success.
In addition to providing a welcoming space for students of color, the office also is an inclusive place for students from the LGBTQ community.
Chamblee and Savala have hosted events — from panel discussions and dialogues to trainings and presentations — for students, faculty, staff and the community addressing pertinent social issues.
“It’s important that we all continue to intentionally engage in dialogues, forums, lectures and conversations that allow us to hear and learn from and with people with different cultural backgrounds and perspectives,” Chamblee said. “Being open to learning is critical. We can offer all kinds of dialogues and programs, but learning and awareness-raising only happen when we’re open enough to push past our discomfort to learn something new.”
The OMSE is working to establish a Multicultural Student Engagement Leadership Advisory Council. Council members will cultivate a culturally inclusive campus environment for students as well as help identify multicultural programming needs and services and support programming sponsored by student groups.
“It’s not about me and a top-down approach,” Savala said. “It’s about putting into action what students want. We want students to have a voice.”
Faculty, staff and alumni also are invited to support the advisory council, which ultimately is aimed at retention and student success.
For more information about the OMSE or how to contribute to the advisory council, email leonard.savala@wayne.edu or call 313-577-0108.
A soft opening for the OMSE, located inside the Purdy/Kresge Library, is expected in January.
Diversity and Inclusion is this week's "Distinctively Wayne State University" value. "Distinctively Wayne State University" is WSU's five-year strategic plan laying the foundation for strategic focus areas and core values for 2016-21. Learn more at strategicplan.wayne.edu.