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.