Office of Cultural Enhancement and Diversity
(Minority Affairs)
Location:
-
M1-103C, Medical School
Director: Susan B. Wilson, Ph.D.
The Office of Cultural Enhancement and Diversity (Minority Affairs) was established in October of 1990. This Office coordinates and administers activities concerning underrepresented students and issues relative to diversity. The Assistant Dean of Minority Affairs, Dr. Susan B. Wilson, serves as an advocate for the students, seeking support in academic, administrative, and personal matters. This office works closely with faculty and staff in these efforts and their cooperation helps make the job much smoother.
A Recruitment and Retention Committee operates out of this office. The Committee's main objectives and concerns are recruiting more underrepresented students for the medical school and retaining them once they enter the program. Other activities coordinated through this office are Minority Scholarships; High School and Community Partnerships, Summer Scholars Programs, Medical Explorer Post; Project 3000 by 2000, and the Robert Wood Johnson/Kellogg Foundations' Health Profession Pipeway Initiative (GKC-HPPI).
The Recruitment and Retention Committee serves a vital role in defining and giving direction to many of the things that are done for the students. This committee is long standing, dating back to the late 1970's. It was established to address the needs and concerns of minorities enrolled in the Medical School.
The members of this committee are from a variety of areas within the Medical School, main campus, and the community (see list below). The goals and objectives of this committee are to identify any problems the students might be facing, find solutions to these problems and implement them in a timely fashion. The format of the monthly meetings allows members to give reports based on their area of expertise and their involvement and contact with the students. Because the committee is composed of such a diverse group, the input, experience and resources of the members are extremely valuable and useful.
Staff Members:
Kenneth Beene, M.S.
Enrollment Services Coordinator
beenek@umkc.edu
816-235-5434
M4-107
Diversity Council
Summer Scholars Program
The Summer Scholars Program is a four-week educational/preparatory experience that introduces selected high school juniors and seniors to a myriad of opportunities in the health care field. The program is designed to identify talented minority and economically disadvantaged high school juniors and seniors and to encourage them toward careers in medicine and other health careers. Applications are sent to high school counselors in March. The program is held during the month of July. Brochures are available.
The Greater Kansas City Health Professions Pipeway Initiative (GKC-HPPI)
The GKC-HPPI joins the resources and programs of two state universities, the University of Kansas and the University of Missouri-Kansas City -- our Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Allied Health and Graduate Studies -- with the College of Arts and Sciences-Undergraduate Programs in Pre-Health, the Kansas City, Kansas and Kansas City, Missouri School Districts, local community colleges and community-based organizations.
The goal of the GKC-HPPI is to increase the participation of historically underrepresented minority and disadvantaged youth in health professions and science and math intensive careers in the bi-state area. The Pipeway is designed to provide resources and support services to students in six schools, two elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. The target students are in grades three, six, and nine. Additionally, resources are continued to past years' students as they progress through school. Brochures are available.
Saturday Academy
Saturday Academy is an enrichment program designed to strengthen the math and science skills of participating students. Students will recognize and develop their potential to excel in mathematics, science, reading, and test-taking skills. This free program is totally educational, running concurrent with the school year from October through May. It is open to motivated middle and high school students in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
The purpose of Saturday Academy is to enhance pre-college education for students belonging to groups traditionally underrepresented in scientific careers.
This includes African American, Native American, and Hispanics. However, the program is open to any student who is motivated and interested in attending. More infromation > > >