Wake Forest University
PAE-8: Support Programs for Underrepresented Groups

The Office of Multicultural Affairs developed the Protégés Mentoring Program (PMP), a peer mentoring program that serves as a resource to students of color by assisting their academic and social transition into the Wake Forest University community. PMP helps students by providing a continuing orientation to the University and community life, as well as inspiring students through a variety of support mechanisms. PMP provides incoming students with an upper-class peer mentor who not only has a genuine concern for the new student, but is also trained to assist him or her in their transition to Wake Forest. New students will have this guide to help them learn the ins and outs of Wake Forest, as well as get them actively involved in new and exciting opportunities around campus. The Office of the Provost established a Student Support Services committee comprised of administrators and academic leaders who address the multifaceted issues underrepresented groups face in order to enhance their undergraduate experience and maintain our exceptional graduation rates among underrepresented minority students. Each graduate and professional school in the university has Graduate student organizations designed to provide support to underrepresented minority students. The Student Services offices in graduate and professional schools have staff designated specifically to address the needs of underrepresented minority students. The Office of Multicultural Affairs coordinates M4 Initiative (Making Manhood Mean More) to foster support for African American men and talk about multifaceted issues related to black male identity. OMA also coordinates WE3 (Womens' Empowerment) initiative to support black and Latina women. The University Counseling Center provides two support groups for women of color each semester.

The Strategic Plan for Diversity and Inclusion provides several new programs to foster the recruitment and retention of diverse faculty. Currently, the Assistant Provost for Diversity and Inclusion founded the Wake~UP~Winston Networking Association to aid in the recruitment and retention of diverse faculty. The mission of the Wake~UP~Winston initiative is to unite Wake Forest faculty and staff of diverse cultures and ethnicities to build community as well as enhance recruitment and retention of talent. Wake~UP~Winston strives to provide a social and professional network linking the Wake Forest community to colleagues in the greater Triad area.

Wake~UP~Winston is also designed to enhance support for underrepresented administrators, academic leaders, and staff on campus. A second phase of the program will involve initiatives to connect Wake Forest faculty with diverse faculty in other local universities and to provide networks for WFU administrators with underrepresented minorities in leadership positions in the local corporate community.