Born out of Activism. Destined to Lead and Serve.
The Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives was created in 1988 as the result of the Black Action Movement (BAM) and the United Coalition Against Racism (UCAR) student protests.
THE MISSION
The Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives (OAMI) is dedicated to supporting the University of Michigan in its ongoing commitment to create and foster an intellectually and culturally diverse campus community. To this end, OAMI works collaboratively and cooperatively with the campus and external constituencies to develop initiatives that enrich the academic, social, cultural, and personal development of students. The primary commitment of OAMI is to serve students, through a variety of programs, research, and strategic planning activities that:
- Provide supplemental resources to enhance the academic achievement levels of all students
- Enhance the leadership skills and competencies of undergraduate student leaders and student organizations
- Develop an understanding of multiculturalism, cultural diversity, and student development through the undergraduate experience and beyond
- Improve the overall campus climate to support the activities and culture of our diverse campus community
- Highlight the educational and societal value of campus diversity experiences – helping to prepare students for the challenges that they will face as citizens in a global community.
THE VALUES
Our values govern our work and how we approach it, including the way we support and work with our colleagues and those we serve. As we implement our mission, the staff of OAMI is committed to an open-door policy and to helping students develop relationships that will allow them to effectively navigate their way both within and outside the classroom. In carrying out our mission we are guided by our commitment to the connection between academics and multiculturalism and rely upon the following principles:
- Belief that multiculturalism and diversity are synonymous with excellence, growth, and academic achievement
- Appreciation of the importance and richness of multiculturalism at the University of Michigan
- Respect and appreciation for each student, faculty, staff, and community member
- Unwavering commitment to the belief that all students can achieve and thrive at the University
- Understanding the need for collaboration and relationship building with students, faculty, staff, and external constituencies as we initiate our work
