OMSA supports the academic success of students of color at the University of Chicago and works to build an inclusive campus community. OMSA's programs focus on enriching students' experiences and encouraging cross-cultural dialogue on campus. OMSA serves and advocates for all African American, Asian American, Latino, and Native American students who attend the College, Graduate divisions, and Professional Schools.
OMSA executes its mission in collaboration with other departments within the University of Chicago. All students, faculty, staff, and alumni of the University are welcome to partner with OMSA in advancing its efforts to support students of color.
Diversity, Civility and Equity at the University of Chicago
http://civility.uchicago.edu
At the University of Chicago, freedom of expression is vital to our shared goal of the pursuit of knowledge, as is the right of all members of the community to explore new ideas and learn from one another. To preserve an environment of spirited and open debate, we should all have the opportunity to contribute to intellectual exchanges and participate fully in the life of the University.
For a list of diversity-related courses across the University of Chicago, click here.
What's New at OMSA
Race Studies Grant Symposium
OMSA's Race Studies Grant supports scholarly research on the multifaceted nature and/or impact of race, ethnicity, and culture within the University of Chicago, higher education, or the City of Chicago. Join OMSA and the Race Studies Grant recipients of 2008 as they present their groundbreaking research.
This event will take place Thursday, May 8 at 6:00 p.m. at 5710 South Woodlawn Avenue. Please click here to see a program.
5710 Grand Opening
5710 South Woodlawn held Grand Opening ceremonies onTuesday, February 26. There was a day-long celebration with events, screenings, activities and food. Read about the Grand Opening here and here.
5710 South Woodlawn is the new home of the OMSA staff, along with the Amandla Center and the LGBTQ Resource Center. It is a student-centered space which will enhance the overall campus experience for students of color and LGBTQ students and serve as a vibrant hub for students to congregate together, join in programming and community-building, and work closely with staff from OMSA and the LGBTQ Resource Center.
5710 South Woodlawn includes a large lounge for events, programs, and socializing, a small study lounge, a conference room, offices for related student organizations and student programming, meeting and storage spaces, a kitchenette, resource library and common computer resources, and office space for OMSA and the LGBTQ Resource Center on the second and third floors.
OMSA's phone numbers and e-mail addresses remain the same. You can also reach us at (773) 702-5710 or 2-5710 when on campus.
Click here to learn more about 5710.
2006-2007 Highlights
Learn more about OMSA's accomplishments last academic year and its goals for the future. Our 2006-2007 Highlights can be downloaded by right-clicking here.
Get Involved
OMSA Allocation Board
The purpose of the OMSA Allocation Board is to provide support to programming efforts by the University's cultural recognized student organizations (RSOs) that are consistent with the mission of OMSA. The Allocations Board reviews proposals submitted for OMSA funding. The Board currently consists of eight students actively involved in cultural RSOs and it is directed by Mary Vander Kinter, OMSA Associate Director. For information and deadlines, see our page on RSO funding.
OMSA Student Advisory Board
The purpose of the OMSA Student Advisory Board is to inform the director of OMSA and the university administration on the needs of students of color, the problems and issues currently facing students of color and to advise OMSA on areas of programming currently being offered. Members of OMSA's Student Advisory Board are required to meet with the director of OMSA as a group once every two weeks. For more information, please contact Ana Vázquez, OMSA Director.
Campus Safety
OMSA is saddened by the tragic shooting at Northern Illinois University. Our hearts and prayers go out to NIU students, faculty, staff and their families. As an office, we would like to remind you that numerous safety resources available across our campus. We urge you to familiarize yourself with Community Safety, the University's Web page for community safety information. This page contains links to the UCPD, frequently asked questions, the University guide Common Sense, the cAlert Emergency Notification System, and much more.
We hope that you can count on our office for any assistance or encouragement you may need.
