As of Fall 2019, the Black Male Initiative has transformed to the Men of Color Initiative (MCI) to further promote an inclusive and welcoming male empowerment environment for all male identifying students.
As a male empowerment program designed to address the needs of undergraduate men of color, the program encourages participants to exceed personally and professionally while gaining valuable leadership skills at UIS. The initiative endeavors to and has provided educational programs, developmental mentoring opportunities, and co-curricular experiences and activities to assist Men of Color to be successful.
Women of Color Initiative
The Women of Color Initiative was established in the Fall of 2021 by the UIS Diversity Center to support, develop, and empower dynamic women of color by intentionally increasing and encouraging the support of inclusion and success on women identifying students of color. The program assists students in both, their academic and professional endeavors, promotes and advocates for an improved educational experience and quality of life at the University of Illinois Springfield.
Hispanic/Latinx Initiative
Hispanic/Latinx Initiative includes programs and activities designed to create a supportive and welcoming environment where Hispanic/Latinx students can thrive academically and socially, develop leadership skills, prepare for a successful professional career, and embrace and promote their diverse cultures while feeling at home on the UIS campus and in the Springfield community.
We will take a group of students to the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) National Conference in February. This is a great opportunity to meet and socialize with other Hispanic/Latin@ college students from all over the country. You will gain leadership skills, learn about future career opportunities, and attend workshops led by prominent leaders in their respective fields of politics, education, technology, and more. For more information the Diversity Center.
Heritage Months: Through out the year, the Diversity Center will collaborate with a variety of student organizations and offices on campus to develop programs that celebrate and educate about the rich cultural heritage of the UIS community.
Necessary Steps Mentoring program
The Necessary Steps Mentoring program is a Living Learning Community that was established in 2008 at UIS. It is designed to transition first-generation students to the challenges and demands of college life. First-generation is defined as students whose parents/guardians have not graduated from a four year college or institution.
Necessary Steps is intended to assist in the transition from high school to college, as well as, transforming our students into scholars. The program also has a book written by Dr. Clarice R. Ford “Necessary Steps: Roadman to First Generation College Student Success.”
The advantages of joining Necessary Steps are abundant. Each freshman in the program will be paired with an experienced Necessary Steps student. This person will act as a mentor, friend, and confidant that is dedicated to helping students become acquainted with life at UIS.
Celebrate the success of first-generation college students, faculty, and staff. Check out the Diversity Center webinar about Necessary Steps Mentoring program, a Living Learning Community designed to transition first-generation students to the challenges and demands of college life.
OUCH!
A program that provides tools to help eliminate Stereotypes and bias. Provides suggested responses to respond in moments of diversity-related tension. No blame, no guilt, no conflict – just practical, specific skills that can be immediately applied in various situations. OUCH! is a must-have and a must-see for anyone seeking to create and sustain a respectful environment.
2015 UIS Diversity Center began a NOT BULLYING @ UIS campaign with a huge success.