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History
In 1985, realizing a significant increase in the numbers of ethnic minority students admitted to the University, the Division of Student Affairs made a conscious decision to expand the programs and services emanating out of the Office of Minority Student Affairs. With the hiring of a full-time Assistant Dean of Students/Director of Minority Affairs, the office began the task of creating opportunities for the involvement of ethnic minority students in all aspects of student life. Additionally, intentional efforts were made to increase the opportunities for academic growth and development of this target population, with particular emphasis on African-American students.
In 1986, the office assumed the responsibility of directing the Virginia Student Transition Program which launched the beginning of a series of efforts to retain ethnic minority students at JMU and broadened the scope of our university-wide recruitment and retention efforts. This change in direction brought about a significant increase in staff and ultimately strengthened the commitment of the Division of Student Affairs to provide holistic retention activities through graduation for students of color at JMU.
During the 1986-1987 academic year, the office was renamed, the Office of Minority Student Life, and the charge expanded. The office increased its programming responsibilities and began to develop collaborative programming activities throughout the university community, working specifically with academic departments, the Division of University Advancement and the major programming units within the Division of Student Affairs. Furthermore, the office increased its involvement with the multicultural student organizations and strengthened existing programs such as the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, Black History Month and on-campus recruitment activities.
In the Spring of 1992, realizing all of the expanded programs, services and staff along with the increase in the numbers of different ethnic groups and individuals utilizing the many programs and services, the existing location of the office in Warren 245 renovated. In the Fall of 1992, it was renamed The Center for Multicultural Student Services (CMSS), serving as a hub of activity for the promotion of diversity and retention of students of color at JMU.
In 1999, the center was renamed the Center for Multicultural/International Student Services (CMISS), expanding its focus to include international student development along with its other functional areas - recruitment/retention, cultural programming and awareness, leadership development and student support.
In 2005, the international focus of the center was moved to the recently created Office of International Programs. Thus the Center refocused its efforts and energies on Ethnic and Cultural programming and education.
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