Greetings from the Center for Multicultural Initiatives (CMI)!!! This is a very exciting time of year as we welcome new and returning students back to campus. All summer long the CMI staff has been hard at work creating new initiatives and programs just for you for the upcoming academic year. We, in the CMI office are confident that you have taken time this summer to prepare to be the best student that you can possibly be. If there is anything that we can do for you let us know. Have a great semester, and don't forget to sign up for all the latest CMI updates on our Facebook page.

CMI CORE SUMMER BRIDGE STUDENTS 2012-2013
The CMI CORE Summer Bridge program provides a comprehensive orientation to college life and academic support. The program is designed to ease the transition from high school to college while building on a strong academic foundation. As part of the CORE program students spend one week during the summer receiving college math and reading instruction. During the freshmen year students meet weekly with CMI staff and Peer Ambassadors for academic and social support.

Congratulations to our 2012-2013 CORE Ambassadors: Habura Johnson, JaQuella Kee, Theodore Mannings, Antonio McKoy, Desha Phillips, Keith Pickens, Cevannah Scott, Darnell Gray-Shawver, Chastity Spillers, Chynele Stewart and Cortez Williams.

CMI WELCOME BBQ
Join us at the annual CMI Welcome BBQ from 6pm-9pm at the Hamlin Basketball Court Wednesday, September 5, 2012. There will be free food and music! This event is co-sponsored by the Association of Black Students (ABS) and will be followed by a Greek Yard Show. All Oakland University students, staff, and faculty welcome!

HISPANIC CELEBRATION 2012
Join CMI in celebrating Hispanic Celebration Month at Oakland University from September 17-October 5, 2012. The year's theme is La Familia Internacional. To honor this, we are hosting an array of events that will feature Hispanic literature, music and performing arts including a performance by poet Mayda Del Valle, our annual Independence Day Celebration featuring Colombian cuisine and much more! Please see the Hispanic Celebration Month website for the complete schedule of Hispanic Celebration Month events.

2nd ANNUAL CMI MEN'S RETREAT
The 2nd Annual CMI Men's Retreat and 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament provides recreation and workshops on topics relevant to acheiving personal and academic success in college and in life after graduation. Please call the office today to sign up at (248) 370-4404.

Keeper of the Dream (KOD)applications are now available to students who possess all of the following attributes: current cumulative grade-point average of 3.0, demonstrated campus involvement, record of responsible citizenship, scholarship and leadership in breaking down cultural stereotypes and in promoting interracial understanding, and must be a continuing full time student for fall 2013 and winter 2014 semesters. Applications are due by 5:00 pm Friday, October 19.

NEED ASSISTANCE BUYING BOOKS?
The CMI provides an interest free book loan to students with at least 24 credit hours earned and a minimum 2.5 GPA. The loan provides up to $250 per semester and may be redeemed at the OU bookstore. If you are interested in the Sharp Emergency Book Loan, download our online application.