This year, we wanted to connect with the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Education (OMSE). It’s been a while since we’ve touched base with them, and we were super-excited to learn about what this year is looking like for them and to hear more about the current services and supports that they are trying to provide. We were thrilled when Tunji Sawyer, MBA and Assistant Director of OMSE, agreed to answer some questions for us!

TTC: First of all, thank you so much for all you do at OMSE, and for sharing your time and energy with us to answer these questions! We know it’s been a chaotic year. So, to get started: in general, how would you say that OMSE supports the overall wellness of UMD students?

• TS: OMSE takes a very holistic approach to the academic support of multi-ethnic students at the University of Maryland. We have a number of programs that foster academic skills and knowledge, all while promoting connection and engagement with other students, campus partners and the greater UMD community. We believe helping students to achieve their dreams involves addressing a wide-range of students needs-everything from basic needs and academic support to student financial health and career planning.

TTC: It sounds like a ton of energy goes into providing academic support in lots of different ways. Can you tell me about any specific services or programs?

• TS: Among our many programs and services, the Office of Multi-ethnic Student Education (OMSE) provides individual and small group tutoring as well as academic review sessions for a wide-range of courses through our nationally-centered tutoring center. Our first-year student retention programs provide academic guidance and resources to students while helping them to foster leadership skills, interpersonal growth and networking opportunities. I have the distinct pleasure of directing one of our key programs, the OMSE Check-Up. It’s a coaching initiative that offers students comprehensive support to develop strategies to balance competing demands and become successful. Along with a host of other strategic initiatives and campus partnerships, student-centered approaches, and a celebration of diversity, OMSE is committed to increasing inclusive excellence and cultivating a welcoming environment where all students can realize their fullest potential in our global society.

TTC: Those seem like really great programs that meet a lot of different needs for people. I’m so glad that the Would you mind sharing a little about OMSE’s background – how it was developed and where it came from?

• TS: OMSE’s history began in 1971 as the university began to establish offices that address diversity & inclusion issues. Since its inception, OMSE has played a significant role in promoting the scholarship and personal development of thousands of multi-ethnic students. Our mission is to serve undergraduate multi-ethnic students to increase rates of matriculation, retention, graduation, and overall GPA. Our motto is “High Standards. High Expectations. Excellence.”

TTC: Thank you for taking the time to share that history and context with us. So, if there was one thing you’d want students to know about OMSE, what is it?

• TS: OMSE values the academic, personal and professional growth of all students. We are a resource dedicated to assisting students holistically, and honoring the intersectionality of diverse identities and perspectives that make the University of Maryland an inclusive community.

TTC: OMSE can clearly play a powerful role in student’s lives. It really does sound like the services, resources, and programs could be useful to tons of people. So how can they access it?

• TS: Our physical office is located at 1101 Hornbake Library. However, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and for the safety of students and staff, we are currently working remotely. Our amazing staff is accessible by phone, email or virtual appointment. All of our programs and special events are currently being offered in a convenient virtual setting. We’re wholly committed to helping students to be “successful at a distance!” For more information, visit omse.umd.edu. You can also follow us on social media @umdomse.

TTC: So, on one little sidenote…what do you do to maintain your own balance and comprehensive wellbeing?

• TS: Self-care involves assessing and cultivating your mental, emotional, spiritual and physical health. I encourage students to take deliberate steps towards prioritizing there well-being. Some of my favorite self-care practices include reading, exercising, traveling, photography and maintaining healthy friendships among others.

TTC: Thank you for that – I think that is wonderful advice, and a great window into some examples of things that might work for some people. And thank you so much for your time. So, our final question today: is there anything else you think students should know?

• TS: First, set the bar high! Always see yourself as an A student! Next, connect with academic and personal support services like OMSE early and often! Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, your story is unique. There’s tremendous value in it. Use this time to author chapters that help to illuminate the brilliance of your personal knowledge, history and background.