Freshman Academic Achiever Reception
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.
Amigo Fest
This is a cultural event that provides a first-hand experience of the Latinx Culture to our UCA students and community. Entertainment consists of traditional music, traditional dancers and instructors who teach traditional dances. In addition, authentic traditional food is offered to help people learn more about the Latinx culture.
Black Male Achievement Challenge
Affectionately known as B-MAC, this program provides a specific focus on the enhancement, education, engagement and enrichment of Black men/males at UCA.
Hispanic Cultural Programs
Each year, ODC collaborates with the Latino Student Association and/or hosts various programs in celebration of Latinos. Events are in place to foster inclusive excellence on campus and within the community and include the Latinx Graduation Dinner.
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.
LGBTQ+ Programming
ODC collaborates with PRISM Alliance to host an assortment of events throughout the month and year such as the UCA Pride Walk and the Lavender Graduation Dinner.
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.
Minority Graduation Dinner
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.
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 of Excellence
The launched the Women of Excellence (WOE) initiative in August 2016 to offer enriching experiences such as conversations and activities that address self-esteem and academics as well a leadership, social, and personal development. The ultimate goal of WOE is to help reduce the overall gap between African American female and Caucasian female achievement, retention, and graduation rates.
Women’s History Month
In collaboration with various student organizations, academic departments, and other operational units, female guests with local, state, regional, and/or national prominence visit campus to offer a multicultural representation of women’s achievement and career attainment. As a part of the programs, the office hosts the Annual Women’s Tea in collaboration with Women of Excellence.
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.