Diversity Advocacy

387 Student Services Building
Campus Box 5800
Normal, IL 61790-5800
Phone: (309) 438-8968
TYY (309) 438-2762
Facsimile: (309) 438-5593

Multicultural Programs & Services

Diversity Advocacy provides a number of programs and services to to help students flourish academically and socially and to encourage understanding, appreciation, and respect for diversity in the University community. Find out how Diversity Advocacy can help you Find Your Way at Illinois State.

Cultural Calendar

Diversity Advocacy celebrates culture and diversity education throughout the year by hosting a variety of events on campus dedicated to underrepresented populations and current issues.

September 2009 calendar of events

October 2009 calendar of events

November/December 2009 calendar of events

Diversity Retreat

Each fall, Diversity Advocacy coordinates an overnight retreat targeting student from diverse backgrounds and engage them in critical discussions and team-building activities. The goals of the retreat are to expand students’ understanding of diversity and increase multi-cultural awareness. Students are led through guided activities, discussion, and reflection on topics such as sexual orientation, race, gender identity, and the concept of privilege. Students learn how to appreciate, celebrate, and participate in the many cultures represented at Illinois State.

Fall Kickoff 'Que

As new students arrive on campus in August during the Passages Welcome Weekend, Diversity Advocacy hosts its' annual outdoor barbeque. Students can meet faculty and staff from a wide variety of departments from across campus. In addition, students are introduced to many of the diverse organizations and upcoming programs and services provided by Diversity Advocacy.

Mentoring, Academics, Scholarship and Achievement Initiative (MASAI)

Formerly known as the First Year Student Mentorship Program, the purpose of the Mentoring, Academics, Scholarship and Achievement Initiative (MASAI) Program is to assist in the retention of students from diverse backgrounds at Illinois State by pairing first-year students with upper-class mentors.

Multi-Ethnic Cultural and Co-Curricular Programming Advisory Committee (MECCPAC)

MECCPAC is a committee that is comprised of students, faculty, and staff at Illinois State University. The committee provides funds to support cultural and educational programs that promote diversity and serve the needs of underrepresented members of the Illinois State University community.

Commitment to Diversity Awards Ceremony

The Commitment to Diversity Awards Ceremony held in the spring, recognizes students, registered student organizations, faculty, and staff who have demonstrated outstanding curricular and co-curricular programming, service, and research that exemplifies the University's commitment to diversity.