Office of Community Engagement, Opportunity, and Belonging
Connecting people, unlocking potential, and transforming communities.
Major activities
January
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February
March
International Women's Day
E3 Male Summit: Empower, Elevate & Excel
ACTIONS
Dr. Shirla R. McClain Gallery Reopened
After an extensive renovation, the long-awaited reopening of the Dr. Shirla R. McClain Gallery occurred Friday, September 8, 2023, hosted by The University of Akron’s Office of Inclusion & Equity, The Myers School of Art, and the Dr. Shirla R. McClain Gallery Board. Read more about the opening.Land Acknowledgement – The University of Akron
University of Akron Land Acknowledgement
The University of Akron is located on lands that have been home to many diverse nations, including the Ohio Seneca and Cayuga, the Lenni Lenape (Delaware), the Miami, the Shawnee, the Wyandot (Wendat), the Ottawa (Odawa) and the Ojibwe Nations. These lands were ceded in the 1805 Treaty of Fort Industry and the forced removal of tribes through the Indian Removal Act of 1830. The University of Akron pays respect to the land and lives of Indigenous Nations past and present, and is committed to a process of continual learning, reflection and reconciliation.
About the Land Acknowledgement
A land acknowledgement is a statement of respect for Indigenous lands and a recognition of colonial occupation of those lands. It is likewise a reflection of our continuing process of learning about the heritage and contemporary cultures of Indigenous Peoples.
The land acknowledgement was researched and written by staff at the Cummings Center. The original research was reviewed by members of The University of Akron Arts and Culture Council and Portage Path Collaborative.
DIRECTORY
- Advising: Four-Phase Advising or 4PAS
- Learning Communities
- LGBTQ+ resources and support
- Office of Academic and Retention Support (OARS)
- Office of Multicultural Development
- Orientation: "Advance," the two-day orientation for new multicultural students
- Peer Mentoring Services
- Scholarship opportunities, including the Underrepresented Students Scholarship
- Update your preferred biological information with UA using this form
WHO WE ARE
The Office of Community Engagement, Opportunity & Belonging at The University of Akron is committed to fostering meaningful connections, empowering individuals, and creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. By embracing diverse perspectives as a foundation for innovation, we strive to enhance educational success, expand opportunities, and elevate the well-being of our students, employees, and the greater Akron community through strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives.
To be a national leader in fostering community-centered education, embracing diversity of thought, and inspiring a shared commitment to lifelong learning and social impact. The University of Akron will serve as a dynamic hub of collaboration, innovation, and belonging, where every individual feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.
Dr. Sheldon Wrice
Dr. Sheldon Wrice is the vice president for Community Engagement, Opportunity, and Belonging and Professor of Technical Writing & Composition.
Office leaders
Dr. Sandie L. Crawford
Director, Office of Community Engagement, Opportunity, and Belonging
Jessica DeFago
Director
Office of Accessibility
Autumn Frampton
Director
Office of Multicultural Development
Terry Vance
Associate Director, Academic Support Services
Natalie Munas
Administrative Assistant, Sr
Location
Buchtel Hall 210
Akron, OH 44325-6237
330-972-6014