Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center

Through the PEERS Experience, incoming first-year students are intentionally matched with returning students who help their mentee to successfully navigate the college experience. Students participate in shared learning experiences and have opportunities to connect academically, socially, culturally and personally.

MEC provides leadership development, support and guidance for close to 25 different student organizations. From fraternities and sororities, to academic organizations, to identity and culture groups: there is a place for every student to find belonging.

Through cultural programming, MEC supports the University of Dayton’s academic mission by providing educational opportunities that assist students in exploring new experiences while also enhancing their understanding of their own cultural identity. Thought-provoking co-curricular programming supports the personal development of all students and the campus climate.

This peer education group focuses on social justice topics and seeks to create a culture of belonging at UD. Diversity Peer Educators organize and facilitate various events that celebrate and bring awareness to various topics in our community, including hosting dialogue events, Culture Not Costume workshops, cultural heritage month celebrations, art showcases, class presentations and more.

This mini-course occurs in the spring and brings together faculty, staff and students as learners to study and dialogue about systems of oppression. This learning is followed by brainstorming and building ways to make UD’s campus more inclusive, be it continuing to educate the campus or activist efforts to adjust curriculum, or whatever the group deems necessary.

The Brave and Bold Dialogue is an online Community Education Module created for students by students, which prepares students to learn, lead, and serve in a diverse global society through understanding of bias, stereotypes and microaggressions. All incoming students are required to engage in the module, and they may find additional opportunities to continue this education.

Student Engagement Assistants provide connection and programming for the MEC community; they are the front line to student engagement and excellence. These student leaders are essential members of the MEC team who have a daily presence in the space and build relationships all across campus. Not only do Student Engagement Assistants serve as leaders for their peers, but they also help to welcome prospective students to UD.

Academic Success Ambassadors are a team of students who assist with the recruitment and retention of multi-ethnic students. Academic Success Ambassadors help their peers achieve academic excellence by coordinating study tables, study breaks aimed to support socio-emotional health, and educational workshops.

Academic Success Ambassadors also support admission and recruitment efforts by attending Preview Days, serving on student panels, hosting the overnight and more.

Participating in the LEAD Team allows students to grow and develop in their leadership roles. In this monthly gathering, students who lead organizations connected to MEC have the opportunity to discuss strategies for collaboration and learn about resources to support their organizations.