Students of Color
The Rackham Graduate School values the diversity of its students as an essential dimension of excellence in graduate education. The University of Michigan’s commitment to diversity is long-standing, and we are proud of our graduate students who over the years have gone on to assume national leadership in many fields. Rackham sponsors numerous activities aimed at recruiting an outstanding and inclusive student body. We seek to provide intellectual, social, emotional, and financial support so that students from groups that are historically underrepresented in higher education feel welcome and thrive in their studies.
Campus Resources
Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs (MESA)
MESA and the William Monroe Trotter Multicultural Center serve as resources of support for diverse student populations by implementing programs that foster intercultural leadership and strengthen community development, seeking to create a campus that is inclusive to all students.
Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives
The Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives supports the university’s ongoing commitment to create and foster an intellectually and culturally diverse campus community, and works to develop initiatives that enrich the academic, social, cultural, and personal development of students.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is the gateway to the people and programs that support and advance diversity at the University of Michigan and beyond.
Expect Respect
Expect Respect is an educational initiative aimed at supporting a campus climate in which all persons are treated with civility. Community members work together to strengthen the framework of support services for those who have experienced hate crimes or bias incidents.
Intergroup Relations (IGR)
IGR is a social justice education program that works to promote understanding of intergroup relations inside and outside of the classroom. Multidisciplinary courses offered by IGR are distinguished by their experiential focus, teaching philosophy, and incorporation of dialogical models of communication.
Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office (ECRT)
ECRT provides programs and services for faculty, staff, and students to support diversity, inclusiveness, equal access, equitable treatment, and cultural understanding and competency. ECRT provides training and consultation on achieving and supporting diversity in the workplace, on Americans with Disabilities Act issues, and on preventing and resolving discrimination and discriminatory harassment.
Organizations and Programs Sponsored by Rackham
How to Get the Mentoring You Want: A Guide for Graduate Students (PDF)
A guide for graduate students at a diverse university.
Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society
Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society is a network of scholars recognized for scholarship, leadership, character, and who are dedicated to service and advocacy for students who have been underrepresented in the academy.
Students of Color of Rackham (SCOR)
SCOR is a network for Rackham students dedicated to the social, cultural, and academic well-being of students of color of African, Asian, Latino, and Native American descent. The organization, which includes students of other cultures, ethnicities, and international origins, promotes, supports, and sponsors efforts concerning the improvement of quality in our students’ academic, professional, and social lives respectful of cultural differences, disabilities, gender, and sexual orientation.
Student Organizations
American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)
American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) seeks to increase the representation of American Indian and Alaskan Natives in engineering, science, and technology disciplines, and offers financial, academic, and cultural support to students.
Asian/Asian American Psychology Student Association (APSA)
Asian/Asian American Psychology Student Association (APSA) helps recruit and support Asian/Asian American graduate students.
Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA)
Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA) serves as an academic, social, and political resource for students in the Law School.
Asian and Asian American Coalition
The Asian and Asian American Coalition provides social support to the Asian and Asian American students currently enrolled at the School of Social Work.
Association of Black Social Work Students (ABSWS)
Association of Black Social Work Students (ABSWS) supports the professional development of African American students.
Association of Multicultural Scientists
Association of Multicultural Scientists supports underrepresented graduate students in the biomedical sciences.
Black Business Students Association of the Ross Business School
Black Business Students Association of the Ross Business School supports the recruitment of Black business students and builds the professional and academic development of its membership.
Black Medical Association
Black Medical Association helps recruit and support underrepresented minorities in the Medical School.
Black Student Psychological Association
Black Student Psychological Association supports the recruitment and success of graduate students of color.
Graduate Society of Black Engineers and Scientists
The Graduate Society of Black Engineers and Scientists (GSBES) serves as an academic and social network for Black graduate students within the University of Michigan’s STEM community.
Hispanic Business Students Association (HBSA)
HBSA provides academic support and professional development opportunities to Hispanics at the Ross School of Business.
Latin and Native American Medical Association (LANAMA)
Latin and Native American Medical Association (LANAMA) seeks to increase the enrollment and success of Latino/a and Native medical students through outreach and service efforts.
Latino Law Students Association
Latino Law Students Association supports the enrollment and success of students in the Law School.
Latino/a Student Psychological Association
Latino/a Student Psychological Association strives to increase the recruitment and retention of Latino students in Psychology.
Multi-Ethnic Information Exchange (MIX)
MIX works to strengthen the social capital of minority students at the School of Information and to serve as an academic, social, and professional support system.
Native American Student Association (NASA)
Native American Student Association (NASA) provides social, political, and academic support for students of American Indian descent.
Political Scientists of Color (PSOC)
Political Scientists of Color (PSOC) is a network for students interested in creating and maintaining a supportive academic and professional environment in Political Science regardless of race or ethnic background.
Public Health Students of African Descent (PHSAD)
Public Health Students of African Descent (PHSAD) builds community and support primarily among African American students in the School of Public Health.
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) promotes the development of Hispanics and other underrepresented minorities in engineering, science, and other technical professions.
Students of Color in Public Policy (SCPP)
Students of Color in Public Policy (SCPP) supports students of color in the Ford School of Public Policy.
United Asian American Medical Student Association
United Asian American Medical Student Association/Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association supports the professional, cultural, and personal growth of Asian American medical students.