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Mission & Purpose

Office of Diversity Programs and Services
Mission Statement

The mission of the Office of Diversity Programs and Services (ODPS) is to promote students’ overall success (academic, social and personal) in Mason’s highly diverse campus community, with specific attention to students with diverse backgrounds and/or life experiences which may impact their retention and success (such as students from diverse ethnic, cultural, gender, sexual orientation and socio-economic backgrounds).  ODPS assists students, faculty and staff at many stages of their relationship with Mason: admission, retention, satisfaction, graduation, and alumni connection.  ODPS strives to help Mason ensure equitable levels of inclusion, participation and engagement for students of all backgrounds and identities.  ODPS provides assistance to individual students, group and leadership development for cultural organizations, programming for and about specific Mason communities and sponsorship of cultural celebrations and heritage awareness observances.

Our Purpose

The goal of ODPS is to provide a campus environment where diversity is valued, appreciated, and celebrated. In addition, the office is devoted to increasing the awareness and knowledge of issues important to community harmony. ODPS is also dedicated to helping make students' hopes, dreams, and goals become reality. A variety of programs and services are in place to aid students in becoming the best they can be.

Staff members have an open-door policy and welcome students' participation in all events and services. Students are encouraged to contact the office for assistance in academic, social, or personal matters. ALL students are welcome to take part in ODPS' activities.

We:

  • Assist the University in recruiting, retaining, and graduating Asian Pacific American; African American/Black; American Indian; Hispanic/Latino; and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning students through a variety of programs and services.
  • Orient new students to services available at Mason to facilitate their scholastic, cultural, and social transition.
  • Foster the development of a campus climate where the accomplishments of under represented student groups are valued, appreciated, and celebrated.
  • Promote cultural awareness, involvement and student leadership. 
  • Work collaboratively with other University entities to ensure a climate conducive to the scholastic attainment of under represented student groups.
  • Counsel students experiencing personal and academic issues including time management, goal setting and attainment, and good study habits.
  • Educate the campus community about issues related to diversity through workshop presentations and seminars.
  • Administer the Student Transition & Empowerment Program (STEP) .
  • Support the University Administration in creating policies where the interests of under represented student groups are represented.