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Western Michigan University Diversity and Multiculturalism Scholarship

Establishing and maintaining diversity and multiculturalism at Western Michigan University (WMU) has been an important priority for many years.  This priority is articulated in the Diversity and Multiculturalism Action Plan (DMAP).  Fostering this goal will help build our future learning environment.

In recognition of the need to continue the Institution’s efforts to promote diversity and multiculturalism, a scholarship has been created which has the tenets of diversity and multiculturalism at its center.  The Diversity and Multiculturalism Scholarship award is created to encourage the enrollment of students at Western Michigan University who will embrace the values of diversity, and add to inclusion and multiculturalism on campus as set forth in the DMAP.

All students admitted to the university are invited to apply for the scholarship.  Recipients will be selected by a diverse selection committee made up of faculty and staff who are committed to the goal of advancing the mission of the DMAP.  Awards will be renewable for up to 4 years, based on the students’ demonstrated participation and achievements in the activities they intended to pursue in response to question number 2 (see below).

The following definitions are included to serve as the foundation for the selection process.  

Diversity

Diversity at WMU encompasses inclusion, acceptance, respect, and empowerment.  This means understanding that each individual is unique and that our commonalities and differences make the contributions we have to offer all the more valuable.  Diversity includes the dimensions of race, ethnicity, and national and regional origins; sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation; socioeconomic status, age, physical attributes, and abilities; as well as religious, political, cultural, and intellectual ideologies and practices.

Multiculturalism

Multiculturalism at WMU is a belief that speaks to the issues of human diversity, cultural pluralism, and human rights for all people.  It encompasses environmental (social climate), curricular/instructional, co-curricular, and administrative initiatives designed to help students, faculty, staff members, and administrators benefit from the many roles and opportunities that may originate from the full spectrum of cultures.  Multiculturalism goes beyond the recognition of diversity.

To apply 

Applicants must respond to two important, related questions:

1. What experiences have you had that add to the goals of diversity and multiculturalism for the WMU campus community?
2. What activities will you pursue while a student at WMU that will add to the University’s commitment to diversity and multiculturalism?

Responses should not exceed one page, double-spaced, to each question.  Please be sure to add your name, address, and WIN (Western Identification Number, mailed to you at the time of your admission to Western Michigan University). You may either mail your completed application to:

            Gwen Thomas, Assistant Director of Admissions
            Diversity and Multiculturalism Scholarship Committee
            Western Michigan University
            1903 W Michigan Ave
            Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5211

            Or submit your application responses by email to:
            admi-scholarship@wmich.edu

            Please put Diversity and Multiculturalism Scholarship in the Subject line.

Essay questions must be received in the Office of Admissions no later than
May 1, 2010.

The Diversity and Multiculturalism Scholarship:

• Awards can be renewable for up to 4 years, based on the students’ demonstrated participation and achievements in the activities they intended to pursue in response to question number 2.
• $3,000 annually.
• Complete admission application file received in the Office of Admissions no later than May 1, 2010.
• Competitive; selection of recipients will be made by a WMU faculty and staff committee.
• Open to all first-time incoming undergraduate students. 

Compliance with Michigan’s “Proposal 2” will be required, and an annual program review will be conducted by the Office of Legal Affairs and General Counsel and the Office of Institutional Equity.