Minority Student Services (MSS)
MSS Students

Minority Student Services Mission Statement

Central Michigan University's Minority Student Services is a comprehensive office which provides academic, personal, social and cultural support to students. To empower and retain students, the MSS team provides and enhances a campus environment where diversity is understood and celebrated.

 

Programs

ACE (Academic & Career Empowerment) Program

Central Michigan University recognizes that some high school students’ grades or test scores do not accurately reflect their ability and motivation to complete a college education.

The six-week ACE summer session helps high school students reach their full potential and prepare for the academic demands of college. The program grants conditional admission to a limited number of students who have applied to the university but have not fully met the freshman admission standards. After successfully completing the program, students are allowed to enroll in fall classes at Central Michigan University.

During this on-campus session, students take between two and three college-level courses and receive daily tutoring sessions. The program improves reading and writing skills and helps develop self-discipline and study and time-management skills. Students earn credit hours to apply toward graduation requirements.

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP)/College Day (CD) Program

GU/CD mission

Provide an opportunity for underrepresented students to discover first hand, the potential of a college education and to expose students to the information, knowledge, and skills they need to complete high school and prepare themselves adequately for college entry and success.

Program Objectives

  1. Increase access to information for parents, student, education and administrators regarding the benefits and accessibility of postsecondary education in Michigan.
  2. Raise awareness of students’ and parents’ knowledge of financial aid opportunities for postsecondary study.
  3. Raise academic standards and expectations. Ensure that GU/CD students receive the academic preparation, social support and guidance necessary to succeed in college and the workforce.
  4. Increase professional development opportunities for teachers, counselors, and GU/CD staff.

Through the GU/CD Program, CMU serves approximately 1500 7th grade students in 5 Flint community Schools (Holmes, Central, Northern, Northwestern, and Whittier Academies). Throughout the school year services that promote preparation for the pursuit of postsecondary education are provided in the school buildings and local Flint Community. Students also visit CMU’s campus to:

  • Participate in leadership and cu8ltural activities
  • Have exposure to the academic programs, facilities and resources
  • Attend college preparation workshops
  • Learn about student organizations and campus activities
  • Develop mentoring relationship with college students

Campus visit program includes single day visits and summer residential programs. The GU/CD Program increases exposure to the information and experiences necessary for adequate preparation for higher education.
 

 

SI (Supplemental Instruction) Program


Click here for information on the SI leaders and the SI schedule.

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a series of weekly review sessions for students taking historically difficult courses (courses having a 30% "D", Fail, or Withdraw Rate). SI is provided for all students who want to improve their understanding of course material and their grades. CMU statistics show that SI attendees improve their grade by approximately 30% - 50% more than those students who do not utilize the program. Each SI session is led by a SI Leader, who is a competent student who had previously completed and excelled in the course, is specially trained in SI methods, and attends the class to take notes and model effective student behavior. Typically, the course the SI Leader is assigned to is in the field of study which they are majoring in. SI is a chance for students in the class to get together to compare notes, discuss important concepts, develop strategies for studying the subject, and to test themselves before the professor does. By attending SI, students will have developed a better understanding of course content, as well as more effective ways of studying. These study skills and techniques help the student in the SI course as well as in their other courses.

 

Now hiring for Fall 2008, click here for job description, and pick up an application in the Minority Student Service office, 121 Bovee University Center.

Multicultural Advancement and Lloyd Cofer Scholars Residential College (MACRC)

Opening its doors for the first time in fall 2006, the Multicultural Advancement and Lloyd Cofer Scholars Residential College (MACRC) located in Troutman Hall houses the scholarship recipients who share the common goal of academic achievement, service and diversity. The dynamic new living and learning community aims to increase student success and retention through academic and social support services. Emphasis is placed on promoting academic achievement, increasing support though peer relationship, and encouraging individual growth at Central Michigan University.

The workshops, social activities, and programs hosted by the MACRC provide students with valuable experiences that contribute to individual success through:

  • academic planning
  • career planning
  • graduate school preparation
  • campus involvement
  • peer mentoring/advising
  • peer tutoring
  • civic engagement
  • leadership development
  • diversity and cultural understanding

In addition to the advantage of reduced occupancy (2 students per room) that residents enjoy, some of the other unique opportunities offered include:

  • assistance from peer advisors
  • access to personal tutors
  • study hall sessions
  • four-year academic planning session
  • cultural field trip
  • group community service project

Located centrally as part of the Towers complex, residents have the easy access to fitness center, convenience store, residential restaurant, video & gaming rental shop, math and writing center, academic advisors and computer lab. The MACRC accomplishes its goal by creating a close-knit community of scholars who are socially active and concerned with promoting diversity and understanding in our larger campus community.