The What, Who, and How of DUE: the Office of Minority Education (OME)

This is first in a series of articles from the Office of the Dean for Undergraduate Education (DUE) which answers the questions: What does that office really do? Who works there? And how does the office advance/impact education at MIT?

What does it mean to be the Office of Minority Education (OME) at MIT?

OME is a student-centric office that promotes academic excellence, personal growth and professional development among undergraduate students from underrepresented minority groups.

OME also:

• Provides a culturally focused office on the MIT campus where all students feel welcomed;
• Formally and informally fosters a sense of community among students, faculty and staff;
• Offers programs that empower students to thrive academically;
• Encourages strong mentoring relationships with faculty and staff that provide both personal and academic guidance;
• Creates opportunities for professional development and networking;
• Advises students on all aspects of their MIT experience and refers students to appropriate offices within the Institute;

The perspective of Ashli Davis — a sophomore studying brain and cognitive sciences — gives you a real sense of the support students get from the office.

“The OME is not only a wonderful office as far as resources but it also serves as a second home to some students. Any time I have an academic-related question, need advice, or even just want to be around friends, the OME is always a safe haven that welcomes me.”

Read full article from the May 2010 DUE newsletter