- Programs and Services
- The mission of the Office of Multicultural Programs (OMP) is to promote the academic, personal, and social success of all students, particularly those from under-represented and historically marginalized populations. In collaboration with the campus community and other offices, the Office of Multicultural Programs (OMP) accomplishes its mission through planning and coordinating a variety of support programs and services that support the holistic development of historically under-represented groups attending Valparaiso University. These extra-curricular, co-curricular, and curricular programs and services include:
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Linking new, incoming freshmen students involved in the S.T.A.R.S. Summer Bridge Program (Students Together Achieving Readiness & Success), with Peer Mentors and Faculty Mentors;
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Coordinating awareness and educational programs that promote inclusiveness, cross-cultural/intercultural communication, cultural competency, racial harmony, and identity exploration and development;
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Monitoring of grades and implementation of strategies to support academic success and retention;
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Providing general one-on-one student counseling and advising;
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Connecting 1st year students to the campus through their involvement in the S.M.A.R.T. Scholars Mentoring Program;
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Conducting Faculty & Peer Mentor/Mentee Training (S.T.A.R. S. & S.M.A.R.T. Programs);
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Offering GS 200, 201, 202: Study Circles on Race Relations courses to improve human relations; (in sequence, fulfills three credit cultural diversity requirement);
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Providing information & referral Services to support student success;
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Leadership development through OMP employment, planning committees, or organization advising and training;
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Scholarships: Hearst, VUAA Book Assistance, Bill Marion 1st Generation College Student Scholarship;
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National and regional conferences, social gatherings, field trips, and leadership retreats;
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Providing leadership guidance, training and support to multicultural student organizations and affinity groups: Asian American Association (AAA), Alliance (GLBTQ),Black Student Organization (BSO), & Latinos In Valparaiso for Excellence (LIVE)
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Developing & providing Diversity Workshops & Safe Zone Ally Training;
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Planning the Annual Peace & Social Justice Symposium, an avenue for discussion & dialogue;
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Community Building: Maintaining the Gandhi-King Center’s offices as safe and welcoming spaces for its constituent groups and all members of the Valparaiso University.
- Providing Alumni speaker services (careers, mentoring, networking opportunities)
