15 Year Book - Flipbook - Page 129
Congratulations on the 15th anniversary of the Center for Educational Outreach (CEO) at the University of
Michigan! The incredible work by the CEO team represents a vital link in extending the university's reach beyond
campus boundaries, attracting and enrolling a diverse student body that enriches our academic community.
The CEO was established with multiple purposes based on the commission of the Diversity Blueprints. These
purposes include coordinating existing outreach efforts, supporting faculty interested in outreach, and offering its
own programs. The vision was to infuse new energy and synergy across the university to amplify its outreach
impact.
Research at the University of Michigan and beyond has consistently
highlighted the profound benefits of student body diversity on college
campuses (Bowen and Bok, 1998; Gurin et al., 2004; Museus et al., 2017;
Stewart and Valian, 2018). One enduring challenge has been attracting and
enrolling students whose presence fosters these benefits. A diverse student
body is inclusive, comprising individuals from various racial, ethnic, gender,
economic, and religious backgrounds, among others. Reaching students who
have historically been underserved—and thus less informed about the
college enrollment process—is critical. For these students, outreach efforts
that provide information about the application process, exposure to campus
life, and opportunities to interact with peers can make a transformative
difference.
Encouraging a college-going culture throughout the community is essential,
particularly for students from families without a history of college
attendance. Effective outreach must engage not only students but also their
parents. Programs should aim to inform, engage, and inspire students from
diverse backgrounds early on, providing them with the perspective and
familiarity needed to navigate the college landscape.
ENCOURAGING A
COLLEGE-GOING
CULTURE THROUGHOUT
THE COMMUNITY IS
ESSENTIAL,
PARTICULARLY FOR
STUDENTS FROM
FAMILIES WITHOUT A
HISTORY OF COLLEGE
ATTENDANCE.
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