General FAQ's

The Division of Student Affairs at DePaul University has an Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, a Cultural Center, and an Office of Diversity Education. In brief, what are the differences between each of these offices?

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA)

OMSA is called to work with low income college students, first generation college students, and students of color by developing sustained developmental programs to assist these populations in having a successful DePaul experience. Beyond managing these retention, persistence, and empowerment programs, OMSA also serves as an advocacy office for marginalized college students that experience a crisis during their time at DePaul.

The Cultural Center

The Cultural Center is the main programming department for the diversity area in Student Affairs. We collaborate with other departments, student organizations, faculty and staff to provide cultural arts education that represents the diverse cultures in the DePaul community.

The Office of Diversity Education

The Office of Diversity Education is the central resource for diversity education workshop and dialogue experiences for faculty, students, and staff. This department is charged with engaging learners to critically think about their own identity through multiple lenses while also considering systems of power, privilege, and oppression that we are located in.

How can OMSA help me if I am in trouble?

OMSA prides itself in being knowledgeable in numerous areas of the college student experience. By coming into our office, you will be able to meet with a professional staff member, discuss your situation, and devise a plan of action that is right for you. We partner with various departments across the entire campus and will continuously work to find a resolution.

Does OMSA have job opportunities?

OMSA offers job opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students.

Undergraduate

• Peer Mentors – STARS Peer Mentors are partnered with freshmen for one full academic year and serve as guides to assist them in navigating the transition from high school into the DePaul community.

• OMSA Interns – A capstone experience for upperclassmen, OMSA Interns gain experience in managing program logistics and event planning. Qualified internship candidates are highly organized and detail-oriented. The internships support a variety of areas of interest and OMSA programs through the following positions:

       • Academics, Leadership, and Access (ALAS) Intern
       • Egan Hope Scholars Intern
       • Empowerment and Student Success Intern
       • Logistics Intern

• Loop Front Desk Assistants - The Loop Front Desk Assistants serve as the first point of contact for visitors to the Loop office and perform various tasks that demonstrate a commitment to customer service.

Applications for all undergraduate positions are available during the Winter quarter.

Graduate

• Graduate Assistants (GAs) - OMSA offers three graduate assistantships for students pursuing their graduate degrees at DePaul University. From assisting with program development to leading workshops, the Graduate Assistants (GAs) are paraprofessional staff with a high-level of responsibility and autonomy. OMSA GAs support the following initiatives:

       • The Men of Color (MOC) Initiative
       • S.T.A.R.S. Peer Mentoring Program
       • Scholarships and Graduate Initiatives

 
Applications for all graduate positions are available during the Spring quarter.

Is OMSA exclusive to people of color?

Regardless of race, ethnicity, class, gender, political or religious affiliation, all DePaul students, including low-income, first-generation college students and students of color are welcome to utilize the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. OMSA is sensitive to the needs of all DePaul students, while at the same time recognizing the unique obstacles that low-income, first-generation students, and students of color may encounter in a university setting. While low-income, first-generation students and students of color have the highest utilization of our office, students from all walks of life are welcome to take advantage of the various opportunities OMSA makes available to the DePaul community.