The University of Dayton is committed, in the spirit of our Marianist values, to creating an environment that embraces cultural diversity. The Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center, in the division of Student Development, provides services to support the academic achievement as well as social and cultural engagement of multicultural students, and assists in enhancing the understanding that all UD students have of themselves and others through co-curricular experiences. Staff members in the Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center collaborate with campus and community partners to provide a supportive community that promotes academic success.

Major programs and services offered by the Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center (MEC):

Academic Excellence - Support is offered to students through academic consultations, tutoring and workshops. MEC works in collaboration with other academic and student service offices to assist students in achieving their academic goals.

Cultural Programming -  MEC in collaboration with other departments supports the University of Dayton's academic mission by providing educational opportunities that assist students in understanding their cultural identity, as well as the experiences of others. Students can become involved in a variety of experiences, including with Culture Fest, Culture Heritage Month programmings recognized on campus and nationally, and the Intercultural Talent Showcase.

Leadership Development - A variety of leadership initiatives are offered, including the annual MEC Retreat, the Program to Engage and Exchange Resources for Students (PEERS) and the Colors of Leadership Conference. The leadership skills of students involved with multicultural student organizations are enhanced through group and individual meetings that occur on a monthly basis with student leaders involved with Kindred Presidents. 

Social Justice and Multicultural Education - MEC provides opportunities for students, faculty and staff to participate in critical dialogue around culture and social justice. Participants can attend presentations, brown bag discussions, mini-conferences, and other events to gain skills and resources on how to lead and engage in conversations across difference. Students interested in actively promoting dialogue and/or facilitating workshops and conversations can participate in the Diversity Peer Educators (DPE) program to engage other members of the community to serve as change agents.

Staff & Facility - The MEC staff members are excellent resources. Stop by the office to speak to a staff member, and to use the facility to study, to socialize or to attend an event. Study and programming space is available in MEC, which is located on the first floor south of Alumni Hall. Contact MEC at 937-229-3634 or mec@udayton.edu to reserve a room or to inquire about after-hours access.