Hope College | Office of Multicultural Education

Mission

Guided by Christian faith, the Office of Multicultural Education serves as a haven of support and celebration of racial/ethnic diversity and academic excellence, providing educational and developmental opportunities aimed at preparing all members of the campus and community to thrive in a diverse and global world.

What We Do:

Cultural Competency: Incorporate a variety
of approaches including diversity training, workshops, lectures, classroom presentations, interactive programs, films, retreats and dialogues to help students and the campus community acquire critical cultural competencies needed to build synergistic relationships with people from all backgrounds in order to create a civic and moral community that works for the common good of humanity.

Leadership Development: Utilize various leadership models to help students develop vital skills needed to thrive in the 21st century; and promote the values of personal and collaborative empowerment, equity, social justice, citizenship and service.

Advocacy: Conduct research, surveys, focus groups, and climate studies; as well as collaborate with college constituents to foster an inclusive and equitable campus community.

Student Support and Mentoring: Provide advising, support, and mentoring to students in the areas of academic, personal, spiritual, financial, and career development.

Student Organizations: Provide advisory and leadership support to multicultural student organizations, including:

- Black Student Union
- Hope’s Asian Perspective Association
- La Raza Unida
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Faculty and Student Testimonies

“An institution cannot achieve academic excellence without educating its students and leading them in a deep understanding of contemporary cultural diversity issues that will impact their civic engagement.”

-Dr. Lorna Hernandez Jarvis
Psychology Department

"The Office of Multicultural Education has challenged, developed, and influenced me in many ways. It has challenged the way I perceived the world before coming to college, the stereotypes I had, and the person I was. The events, speakers, and wise leaders have helped me to develop my ideas and leadership skills. OME has influenced me by giving me a purpose and the passion to use my talents here at Hope and beyond. I will forever be grateful for the heart, compassion, and patience that the Office of
Multicultural Education offers to our campus."

-Yessenia Aguirre ’12

"It has been a privilege to work with the Office of Multicultural Education staff and students over the past three years. Through my involvement in speaking opportunities and mentor programs, I have learned a lot about myself. Being part of OME has improved my educational experience beyond the classroom. I have met many people from diverse backgrounds and have worked with them on projects and walked through great and challenging experiences. The OME staff is to be thanked for the programs and dedication that have impacted so many students."

-Blake Soulet ‘13