Anonymous, Class of 2022

Joining Black Student Union was the best decision I made coming to this school. I was able to be around people I could relate to. I learned a lot about how universities function. It was also a reason for me to stay involved in campus life, including my academics. In my involvement in a black student org, I was given the ability to represent myself and my peers to faculty and staff. The sports teams and the international students are kind of their own group, but other than that I don’t see many “cliques.” We have a multicultural resource center, but they are directed toward LGBT help. If you want help specifically, you have to go find the resources. NMU does not support students of color. I wish they gave us a space on campus that is open for use by students of color. At all times. There is not a place on campus where we know we will see each other. The sales pitch is that they are supportive of students of color and other marginalized identities. That is the sales pitch. There are a lot of words of encouragement but few actions supporting that. NMU is located in an oasis of nature. Coming up here will be a culture shock. I think that NMU has great potential for giving Black people an experience of a lifetime. However, at the moment it seems to be an institution for whites. My advice to you is to find people you can relate with and don’t let others make you feel incapable.