The Office of Multicultural Affairs is a department of the Division of Student Life and Leadership and exists to help the University realize its diversity goals. Multicultural Affairs provides services and programs designed to enrich the academic, cultural and social experiences of Xavier students.

The office has a three-fold mission:

• To provide direct support to students of color (African American, Hispanic American, Latino/a, Asian American and Native American) which includes advocacy, leadership development and personal advising. Also, OMA collaborates with other offices to assist with the orientation, recruitment, and retention of students of color.
• To engage and involve the University community in celebrations, discussions, forums and workshops that help create an awareness, appreciation, and understanding of diversity.
• To work with departments and colleagues to ensure Xavier is attaining its goals related to diversity from the broadest perspective.

Our efforts include:

• Providing an office environment that welcomes all students, faculty and staff. OMA, formally located in a house, has moved to the Gallagher Student Center, includes a television/lounge area and resource area. The office is a place where students gather to relax, discuss issues of the day, or enjoy conversation with friends.
• Coordinating the Xavier Mentor Program and Smooth Transitions. The Mentor Program is designed to assist first-year students with their transition to the University. Upper-class students, faculty and staff serve as mentors to incoming students. Smooth Transitions is an on-going orientation experience for first-year students of color. Also providing study tables to encourage academic excellence.
• Implementing major events & special programs including lectures, Black Greek letter organizations, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration and Women's History Month events, the Antonio Johnson Scholarship Banquet, Graduate Reception, luncheons, forums, etc. OMA collaborates with other departments and student organizations to offer a wide variety of formal and informal events.
• Facilitating racial awareness programs that provide an opportunity for students, faculty and administrators to discuss racial and gender-related issues.
• Advising the Black Student Association and the Student Organization of Latinos (SOL), and working with other organizations and clubs affiliated with OMA (e.g. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., the Black Greek Council, the Gospel Choir, Students Committed to Christ (SCC), Ladies with Emphasis on Achievement and Distinction and Gentleman Organized for Achievement and Leadership (GOAL).
• Developing relationships and providing services to the community through mentoring and shadowing at area elementary, middle, high schools, and community agencies.

Any Xavier student desiring these services or with an interest in diversity/multicultural programs and issues is encouraged to stop by or call to schedule an appointment with an OMA staff member.