At Wayne State, students from nearly 80 countries and almost every state, representing a wide range of ages, religious beliefs and socio-economic backgrounds come together in the heart of Detroit, renowned for its culture, industry and diversity. Wayne State celebrates and supports this diversity with resources and initiatives designed to enhance retention and encourage the academic excellence of students who are underrepresented in their disciplines.

Wayne State University Diversity Programs Offices

Wayne State University has a number of programs that encourage and support student diversity in academic programs. The primary goals of these programs are to increase enrollment of students from traditionally underrepresented groups and to promote an academic and social environment in which all scholars can flourish. These support services focus on facilitating leadership skills and academic excellence while enhancing minority student retention, degree completion, and entry into professional and academic careers.

Office of Inclusive Excellence

The Office of Inclusive Excellence aims to engage with students, staff, faculty, administrators, alumni and the surrounding community to co-create and sustain a diverse, inclusive and welcoming campus.

Office of Scientific Training, Workforce Development and Diversity (STWD)

The Office of Scientific Training, Workforce Development and Diversity (STWD) at Wayne State University seeks to engage people from diverse backgrounds and help them to prepare and succeed in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and medicine.

Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS)

OISS provides quality services to international students, offering cross-cultural educational programs and activities, and assisting in important matters related primarily to immigration regulation compliance.

Contact: OISS, oissmail@wayne.edu

Office of Multicultural Student Engagement

The Office of Multicultural Student Engagement strives to cultivate safe and engaging environments where we value, honor, promote and celebrate the difference and similarities among all students who arrive at our office with multiple layers of identity.

Office of International Programs

The Office of International Programs (OIP) encourages and facilitates the exchange of students and scholars between its domestic campuses in Southeast Michigan and educational and research facilities around the world.

Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity (IMSD/MBRS)

Formerly known as Minority Biomedical Research Support Program (MBRS), IMSD is a research program designed to increase the number of African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans and Pacific Islanders in the field of biomedical sciences. 

Contact: Rasheeda Zafar, rzafar@med.wayne.edu

Student Organizations

The Dean of Students Office supports a wide range of student organizations for graduate and undergraduate students to provide provide social, academic, cultural community.

The McNair Scholars Program

The McNair Scholars Program aims to successfully prepare scholars for entrance into graduate school, and to earn a Ph.D. within 10 years of graduating from Wayne State University.

Contact: Zach Morales, gc2480@wayne.edu.