2202 Michigan Union Ann Arbor, MI 48109
(734) 763-9044

The Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs and the William Monroe Trotter Multicultural Center serve as resources of support for diverse student populations in our campus community. We strive to engage and empower students in all of their identities by implementing programs that foster intercultural leadership and strengthen community development. In our ongoing commitment to social justice, we seek to create a campus that is inclusive to all students. We strive to lead the campus community in efforts to...

• Enhance the success of students by building a sense of intra-community through intellectual, social and cultural opportunities.
• Promote a healthier, multicultural and respectful climate that allows for meaningful cross-cultural partnerships among student communities.
• Engage students in efforts to further develop and deepen their intercultural skills and competencies.

To promote student development and empower the campus community around issues of diversity and social justice through the lens of race and ethnicity

We envision a campus community where all members are embraced and nurtured because of their uniqueness. We envision students, faculty, staff and administrators that support the educational and developmental imperatives of our students. We commit ourselves to transformative work that empowers the individual, builds community and promotes justice.

In 1972, The Office of Special Services and Programs was a central area for communities of color at the University of Michigan, with a staff of advocates that served a variety of ethnic constituencies. In 1977, the Office of Minority Student Services (MSS) was created to meet the diverse needs of minority students and to promote the cultural diversity represented across the University. By 1995, the office changed its name to Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs, and included the Trotter Multicultural Center. During its 27 years of existence, MESA has undergone numerous changes, but maintained its commitment to serve, educate and retain students of color.

1972-1973

Black, Chicano and Native American Advocates have separate rooms under the Office of Special Services and Programs

1974-1976

Black, Chicano and Native American Advocates have separate rooms under the Community Services Office

1977

Creation of the Office of Minority Student Services

1977-1978 and 1980-1982

Minority Student Services presents Minorities at Michigan a spotlight on the advocates for the student of color population

1985-1988

Minority Student Services newsletters published and distributed about events, staff biographies, internship and scholarship information

1995

MSS becomes the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs