Support Services and Resources
The Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center (MEC) provides staff, facilities, services and programs to support the academic experience of students.
Navigation Program
Student engagement with faculty members outside of the classroom has been consistently found to promote student persistence, educational aspirations and degree completion.
The Multi-Ethnic Engagement and Education Center facilitates the Navigation Program, which pairs students with faculty, staff or an alumnus who will serve as their Navigation Partner throughout their journey at the University of Dayton. A Navigation Partner can answer questions, be a listening ear and connect students with resources and opportunities for success.
Program Goals
- Promote the academic success and academic engagement of multi-ethnic students through increased faculty and staff interaction outside of the classroom.
- Promote retention and persistence of multicultural students.
- Increase the sense of belonging of multicultural students within the UD community.
- Promote the exploration of leadership opportunities both on and off campus.
- Assist students in reflecting on their career goals.
Learning Outcomes
- Name at least one other faculty or staff resource with whom they have met during the semester.
- Name at least one campus resource.
- Describe at least one leadership or involvement opportunity.
- Describe at least one semester goal they set for themselves and 2-4 mini goals or actions they took to work toward achieving their goal.
Participation
If you would like to participate in the MEC Navigation Program, please complete the interest form.
The PEERS Experience
The PEERS (Program to Engage and Exchange Resources for Students) Experience engages and empowers first-year students to successfully navigate the college experience while building strong and authentic community. Mentors and mentees receive personal, social, cultural and academic support that will aid in the retention and persistence towards graduation from UD.
Participants of the PEERs Experience will:
- Have access to a community of support and resources during key stages of their academic career.
- Receive the support that aids in their personal and leadership development.
- Develop a greater sense of belonging to UD by engaging in the PEERs community.
- Be exposed to diverse perspectives and experiences that affirm their cultural identity.
Benefits For Mentors
- Increased self-esteem and confidence when expressing self.
- An opportunity to serve in a leadership role.
- Specialized training.
Benefits for Mentees
- Increased opportunity to feel a sense of belonging.
- Access to a support system during critical stages of your academic and leadership development.
- Clearer understanding and growth of academic and co-curricular plans.
- Increased self-esteem and confidence when engaging with new people and situations as a college student, including experiences that may be encountered by multicultural students.
Get Involved
To express your interest in the PEERs Experience, complete our interest form.
Academic Coaching
MEC offers 1:1 inclusive academic coaching centered on advancing your holistic wellbeing and academic success at UD. At MEC we focus on developing the intellectual, spiritual, emotional, social, physical, financial and environmental aspects of wellbeing in order to support your academic journey at UD.
MEC Study Tables
As a part of our commitment to academic success, MEC study tables are designed to foster a community of learning in an inclusive environment where seamless support for the pursuit of academic excellence is evident. MEC study tables provide a comfortable setting where students exchange information and resources, and have access to computers, quiet and group study space, and tutoring from faculty members. Students are encouraged to create objectives for completing assignments during study table hours, while either working by themselves or collaboratively with others.
Educational Materials Support
Students who are in need of support for textbook or educational materials can see a MEC Staff member for assistance. Whether it be borrowing a calculator or buying a textbook, MEC will do our best to connect you with resources so that you have what you need to succeed in the classroom.
MEC Fund
There are times when a student needs additional financial support on their academic journey. Structured to address needs that surface outside of tuition, current students can apply for MEC funding to support experiential learning opportunities and belonging such as:
- Internships (low-paid* or unpaid)
- Research projects
- Creative works (performance/production)
- Travel (study abroad, National Student Exchange, field study programs, presentations and conferences, professional development)
- Testing (MCAT, LSAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.)
- Service (projects related to serving your community)
- Necessary needs (food assistance, etc.)
The MEC Fund is made available through the generous donations of family, friends and alumni of MEC and the University of Dayton.
Mona Guerrier Fallen Endowed Scholarship
This award recognizes a student who demonstrates a commitment to leadership, service to the MEC and UD community, and academic achievement. Students must also demonstrate financial need.
Mona Guerrier Fallen received a Bachelor of Arts in 1991 from the University of Dayton. To supplement her educational costs, Mrs. Guerrier Fallen worked for the Department of English and served as a resident assistant and then a grant writer for University Advancement. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati in 1996. Mrs. Guerrier Fallen served as an Assistant United States Attorney in Dayton for over 13 years. Her husband, Destry Fallen, established the Mona Guerrier Fallen Endowed Scholarship for the Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center to honor Mona Guerrier Fallen's commitments to the University of Dayton and educational opportunities, as well as to remember her positive and enthusiastic approach to life.
Educational Materials Support
Students who are in need of support for textbook or educational materials can see a MEC Staff member for assistance. Whether it be borrowing a calculator or buying a textbook, MEC will do our best to connect you with resources so that you have what you need to succeed in the classroom.
University Scholarships and Financial Aid
As a Catholic, Marianist institution, we're committed to making a UD education affordable and accessible to all students. To help you cover your costs, a variety of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time work study are available.
Open Forums for Healing and Growth
MEC and the Counseling Center host a weekly open forum where students interact with the purposes of (1) examining obstacles to authentic living and (2) identifying choices and daily practices that can help to move toward healing, strength and growth.
This space offers students a place to process the challenges of tolerating stress and managing difficult or painful emotional experiences while also building resilience, validating and empowering oneself and others.
These forums are open to any and all students.
Campus Resources for Health and Wellbeing
From counseling and medical services to mental health resources, and fitness and recreation opportunities, you'll find a variety of ways to stay resilient and strong as a Flyer.
Are you a first-generation student? Join UD's first-generation community, where you can gain support unique to your academic journey. To learn more, simply complete the interest form.