Bridging the Gap
As part of the International Education Week, the Office of Diversity and Community and the Center for Global Learning and Engagement host Bridging the Gap to connect all of our students of African descent with one another.
Freshmen Academic Achiever Celebration
This event celebrates the academic achievement of UCA’s minority students each spring. Incoming freshmen who earn at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA on twelve credit hours toward graduation are invited to attend.
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Each year, ODC collaborates with the Latino Student Association and/or hosts various programs in celebration of the National Hispanic Heritage Month. Events are in place to foster inclusive excellence on campus and within the community and include authentic traditional food, music, dancers and instructors who teach traditional dances.
Homecoming Greek Show
Each fall, ODC helps to coordinate what is considered to be one of the largest and most exciting events for African American students and alumni. Over 2,000 guests witness the tradition of the UCA NPHC Greeks competing for the step show championship.
Life Skills Programming
In collaboration with the Minority Mentorship Program, various programs prepare students for success during and after college. Program topics included Healthy Relationships, Test Anxiety Prep, Resume Building, and Self-Motivation.
Gentlemen’s Brunch
Alongside Project X, the Office of Diversity and Community hosts an annual Gentlemen’s Brunch to give men of color an opportunity to bond and network with professional men from the community. They are able to learn etiquette and hear an inspirational message from a keynote speaker.
Graduation Celebrations
The event occasion recognizes the achievements of UCA’s underrepresented, graduating seniors and advanced degree students each fall and spring. The students are asked to share their reflections about their UCA collegiate experiences.
Miss Essence Scholarship Pageant
Started in 1972, Miss Essence Scholarship Pageant gives women of color an opportunity to showcase their intellect and talent while having a chance to earn money for their educational endeavors.
MLK Silent March
The Office of Diversity and Community collaborates with the Students for the Propagation of Black Culture (SPBC) to host the annual MLK Silent March to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Pride Walk
The Office of Diversity and Community collaborates with PRISM Alliance to host the Pride Walk as part of National LGBT History Month.
Project X Early Arrival Program
Hosted by the office to give incoming freshmen men of color a head start to their UCA academic journey by exposing them to resources, brotherhood, leadership development, and the best practices to achieve success.
Transitions Programming
This series of programs is a joint venture between ODC and the Minority Mentorship Program in August each year. The week offers entertaining, enlightening, and empowering activities and events for minority students. During the week all incoming freshmen who signed up to participate are introduced to their mentors.
Women’s Tea
In collaboration with Women of Excellence, the Office of Diversity and Community hosts an annual Women’s Tea to give women an opportunity to bond and network with professional women from the community. They are able to learn etiquette and hear an inspirational message from a keynote speaker.
Other Services
The ODC staff serves as advocates for students and work in primary advisory capacities for five organizations and as secondary advisors for six other organizations. Each day, the staff provides one-on-one mentoring and encourages students to engage in various organizations and to take advantage of leadership opportunities at UCA.