A multicultural education is part of the Mason student experience. The university supports initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion.
We act as advocates for our many communities and provide resources to embrace a variety of voices, perspectives, and narratives both inside and outside the classroom. If you need support, we can provide it through a variety of sources.
Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME)
This office ensures the university creates and sustains inclusive learning environments by providing more than 100 training sessions each year for classes, student organizations, residence halls, and faculty members. Sessions cover such topics as: Creating a Community; Gender Identity; and Inclusive Programming. ODIME also supports Mason's various student populations, such as:
- Asian/Pacific American.
- Black/African American/African Heritage.
- Hispanic/Latino(a).
- Middle Eastern and North African (MENA).
- Native American/Indigenous.
Women and Gender Studies Center
The center provides learning experiences that educate about gender issues, as well as a safe psychological and physical space for people of all races, genders, sexualities, abilities, and religious backgrounds. It also partners with academic programs, University Life, and the surrounding community to enhance academic coursework and student development, promote leadership from all communities, and build coalitions.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning (LGBTQ) Resources
This office works with and for the LGBTQ and ally communities on Mason’s campuses to create a welcoming environment that's conducive to learning. LGBTQ Resources promotes the academic success, health, and well-being of LGBTQ students and their allies by sustaining and strengthening a climate of safety, equity, inclusion, and respect, in which everyone can succeed and thrive.
Office of Disability Services
This office implements and coordinates reasonable accommodations and disability-related services that afford equal access to Mason's programs and activities. It is available to serve all students with disabilities, including those with cognitive, learning, psychological, sustained head injuries, sensory, mobility, and other physical impairments.
Mason Autism Support Initiative (MASI)
This comprehensive, fee-based program provides intensive support services that beyond standard accommodations to students on the Autism Spectrum. MASI combines a team-based approach with an individualized plan of support.
Office of International Programs and Services
This office provides international and domestic students, faculty and exchange visitors with resources to assist with cultural adjustment and regulatory compliance. The office also helps the Mason community improve global and multicultural competency skills through the celebration of holidays, festivals, and traditions.
Mason Educators and Employees of Color (MEEC)
This support network is open to members of the university community who support recruiting, retaining, engaging, and community building among multicultural professionals of color at Mason. MEEC helps educate the larger community on best practices for supporting and engaging faculty and staff of color.
Campus Ministry Association
This association is a cooperative effort by various religious organizations working to enrich life at Mason. The group serves the entire university community, respects individual religious perspectives, pledges cooperation among members, and is committed to the principles of student development.
Special Diversity Initiatives
This unit focuses on diversity-related initiatives and helps create a safe and inclusive campus environment. SDI develops resources supporting student advocacy, and discussion of contested issues. Activities include coordinating the Campus Climate Committee, the Bias Incident Reporting Process, and Free Speech and Citizenship Rights education activities.