DIVERSITY AND OUTREACH ACTIVITIES

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      Since 1965, the Upward Bound Program has provided students at New Bedford High School, the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, and/or Westport High School the academic skills and motivation necessary to complete programs of secondary and post-secondary education. Approximately seventy-five to one hundred students participate in this program annually, and 85-95% of all Upward Bound graduates go on to enroll in college the following fall semester.

      Siren, an on-campus undergraduate publication, is a forum for the campus community to address gender issues and share its diverse experiences through artwork, fiction, poetry, and essays. Siren has been published annually for nearly two decades.

      The Raymond M. Barrows Community Service Book Fund was established to assist disadvantaged students who are unable to pay for essential items such as books and educational supplies. Funds are raised through employee payroll deductions, donations, corporate donations, and alumni donations. Student recipients "pay back" their stipends by performing ten hours of community service during the semester in which the stipend is received.

      START is an acronym for "Steps Toward Abstract Reasoning and Thinking" and is a one-year alternative form of admissions program administered through the College Now Program. START enables students to acquire the basic math and science knowledge, as well as learning and reasoning skills, required for technical programs. These programs include any of the engineering majors, computer science, biology, chemistry, mathematics, medical laboratory science, physics, or manufacturing management. The program is open to students who are considering a technical major, but lack the academic preparation necessary for some of the courses in the particular major.

      In existence for thirty-eight years, College Now is an alternative admission program designed to recruit students who are capable of college level work but whose academic achievements have been hampered by social and/or economic obstacles. College Now students receive extra academic assistance and counseling. Approximately one hundred students enroll in the College Now program annually.

      Program highlights include:

• Buddy Program - three upperclassmen served as buddies (big brothers/sisters) to the freshmen class. This provided freshmen with a resource to discuss any concerns such as financial aid, housing, registration, and university life. Buddies organized two socials (one per semester) for a community gathering.
• Peer Counselor Program - College Now upperclassmen conducted weekly tutorial sessions to College Now freshmen. Each Peer Counselor is assigned to a College Now Counselor.
• Newsletter - Three newsletters, edited by Peer Counselors, are published per academic year (fall, spring, and summer).
• Phone-a-thons - two phone-a-thons were held during the spring semester. College Now buddies telephoned prospective applicants to assist with the admissions process.
• Share the Dream Banquet - held annually in February to celebrate the success of College Now students and the program. Freshmen students are recognized for completing the program successfully and upperclassmen are recognized for their continued success, such as graduation and receipt of scholarships.
• Several College Now staff members serve on University committees such as the Affirmative Action Advisory Committee, the African/African-American Studies Minor Committee, the African/African-American Conference Committee, the Opportunity Day Planning Committee, the Student Emergency Fund Committee, the Yvonne Sandstrom Award Committee, and various search & screen committees to fill new and vacant positions.
• Introduction to the University - UNV 101 course successfully accredited in 2004, assists students in making the transition from high school to college easier.
• Offer financial assistance to promote retention; summer/intersession course awards, book awards, etc.

      The Frederick Douglass Unity House (FDUH) has provided students an environment that nourishes the special academic, cultural, informational, and social/communal needs of students, faculty, and staff of color. This center assists students of color and other ethnic/cultural groups to develop their own sense of cultural identity and self awareness while providing the University as a whole with a central area for learning more about other cultures and exchanging information about their own.

      The FDUH exists to uphold the spirit of its namesake's vision of universal justice and equality. Accordingly, the Unity House will operate within the University's vision of access, excellence, innovation, economic development, public service and diversity to promote a quality of life that appropriately intersects with other cultures, heritages and identities.

      The FDUH fosters a special awareness and appreciation of identities, heritages, and cultures rooted in Africa with members of African Diaspora in a world context through activities, opportunities and programs where the academic and societal needs of students of African descent are interwoven with the University's vision. All members of the University community, especially students, are encouraged to develop activities that will assist the Unity House to fulfill its goals and mission as well as celebrate diversity at UMass Dartmouth.

• Students of Color Graduation Banquet - This annual event honors students of color graduating seniors, inviting guest speakers and celebrating with an awards ceremony.
• Black History Month Films and Discussion- The Frederick Douglass Unity House hosts this event twice a week in February.
• Cape Verdean Potluck Luncheon
• "Civil Rights Era" - Panel Discussion
• "HERSTORY" - a RAParound poetry event
• "Muslims & African Americans - the Many Connections" - lecture and discussion
• Breast & Cervical Cancer Awareness Workshop
• "Diversity in the Legal Profession" - a Mass Bar Association Presentation

      The International Student Center serves international students and scholars with support and advice to help make their stay at the University as productive, interesting, and rewarding as possible. The Center provides general advice and assistance with campus life and personal needs. Ongoing support with visas and other immigration forms is available as well as assistance with documentation that international students need while studying at the University. The Center holds an annual international student orientation for all incoming international students, and gives an overview of on- and off-campus life, as well as support during the academic year. The yearly activities that the center sponsors are the following:

• International Student Orientation - The International Student Center holds this yearly event for all incoming international students. It gives an overview of on and off campus life, as well as support during the academic year.
• International Student Pumpkin Carving with Community Group International Friendship Families - Held yearly, the International Student Center sponsors a pumpkin carving event for international students and UMD community families.