The School's Multicultural Affairs (OMA) was established in 1988 to provide individualized assistance to nursing students of color. The office is responsible for retaining students, faculty, and staff of underrepresented racial and ethnic populations, for enhancing their development as members of the nursing profession and the University of Michigan community. Multicultural advisors and diversity trainers within the OMA serve as a School wide resource, providing assessments of faculty and student concerns and keeping students informed about available support services and enrichment activities.

The University of Michigan School of Nursing is committed to building an environment that values and respects every person, regardless of gender, age, race, sexual preference, cultural background, religion, nationality, or beliefs. In keeping with this objective, which reflects the overall mission and vision of the University itself, the School places great value on diversity and multiculturalism and seeks to ensure a positive, supportive climate in which all individuals are welcome. The OMA Director chairs the Multicultural Committee on Diversity and Equity (MCODE) within the School of Nursing.

Students are encouraged to participate in the Multicultural Student Nurses Association, one of many campus groups for students of color. In addition to providing its members with academic and social support, the Association also serves as a forum for topics of common interest and as a vehicle for communication with faculty and administrators.

The Peer Facilitated Study Group and Clinical Support Project is sponsored by the OMA. The purposes of the groups are to provide specific learning skills and strategies to help students achieve success in selected nursing courses. The study groups targeted are available to all students. The clinical support project provides registered nurses to work with students who are experiencing difficulty in the clinical area. The Projects are funded by the State of Michigan, Office of Equity and Abbott Laboratories.


OMA Staff   

Patricia Coleman-Burns, PhD, Director
Cathy Felder, BA Program Manager & K – 12 Coordinator
Shantelle Cavin, BA Community College Coordinator
Jacqueline Newsome Williams, RN PhD, Program Associate
Cheryl Rorie, RN, MS, Program Associate
Tisha Tyson, BA, Program Associate

Contact Information    

University of Michigan School of Nursing
Multicultural Affairs
400 N. Ingalls Room 1179
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5482
Phone: 734-936-1615
Fax: 734-647-9966
Email: oma_staff@umich.edu