The Center for Ethnic Student Affairs at the U is promoting diversity through means of retention and identity.
CESA is an arm of the Office of Equity and Diversity, and was started because of the need to establish identity and a sense of community among ethnically-diverse students.
Feleti F. Matagi, director of scholarships at CESA, said he wants the office to be a welcoming environment for those who need to be heard and understood. He said he is currently working to teach students how to write a strong college essay.
CESA offers three main programs. The center provides an orientation and ongoing tutoring and advising for incoming freshmen. The program also introduces students to student groups to build camaraderie.
There is also a class in which students can enroll in that consists of mentoring younger children from disadvantaged neighborhoods and visiting the Calvary Baptist Church.
The second year of the program offers academic advising, leadership development, community service opportunities, undergraduate research and classes on time management skills.
Aside from these programs, the office multiple forms of counseling and advising available to students, including information for transfer students and major exploration. There is a computer lab and a lounge with couches and a mini-fridge.
“The concept came from the community that wanted to make sure students of color would be able to succeed in college which meant a lot more than just going to classes,” said Rose Yazzie, a peer advisor at CESA, in an email. “The students that come to the center help shape the programs we offer.”
Outreach is also a large component of CESA. Some students travel to middle schools and high schools to speak with students about college life and the college application process.
CESA also participates in the Student Equity and Diversity tutoring program. Every weekday, tutors are available in the student lounge in the Union to help students in subjects ranging from physics and biology to human anatomy and business writing and finance.