The Office of Multicultural Affairs is an outgrowth of the Higher Ground Program. The Higher Ground Program was a retention program for students of color, funded through the Center for Corporate and Educational Initiatives, over a four-year demonstration period. The data collected over this demonstration period confirmed that with special efforts and initiatives we could retain higher numbers of student of color. The program has also been successful in getting more students into academic programs. Students of color arrive on campus with a need to find a place where they will feel comfortable, accepted, and welcomed. the campus must greet these students with respect, provide an opportunity for their personal growth, and facilitate the development of relationships which will bond them to the university. They need someone to show sincere interest in them and provide the support needed to be successful in college.