The new Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion serves students of color, LGBTQ+ students and women students.
The new Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion serves students of color, LGBTQ+ students and women students. Photo: Provided by the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion
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Armstrong Student Center changes will help students and staff

By Kristal Humphrey, university news and communications

As Miami University’s fall semester starts, there will be some noticeable differences in the Armstrong Student Center.

Center for Career Exploration and Success

Since Miami is expanding career development to better serve students, the Center for Career Exploration and Success increased its staff size about 50% within a year. The career center expanded into additional office space within its current location in the lower level of Armstrong Student Center.

“The expansion of the Center for Career Exploration and Success has in part resulted in a lower student-to-career adviser ratio, an increased focus on internships, and expanded services,” said Jennifer Benz, assistant vice president of the career center. “These changes will better prepare our students as employers are increasing their use of artificial intelligence, expanding the skill sets they need, and changing the workplace structure.”

The new Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion

The Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion is the new name for the office of diversity affairs. It serves students of color, LGBTQ+ students and women students and is located on the second floor of Armstrong in what was formerly the Cultural Center and community lounge.

Previously, the staff offices for diversity affairs — which included the cultural center, women*s center and LGBTQ+ Services — were located on both the second and third floors.

The recent renovations included converting the lounge to staff offices to bring all staff together in one location. This includes staff from the women*s center, LGBTQ+ Services and diverse student development (formerly the cultural center).

A group of eight students standing together

The diversity suite in Armstrong Student Center was expanded to include a larger lounge and more.

Besides staff offices, there is also space that can be used for students to meet privately with representatives from other areas. The spaces can also be used by student interns and student affairs and higher education graduate students doing their practicum for the department. Students who use the center also have access to computers.

“The changes will bring some synergy and organic connection to our staff,” said Kelley Kimple, director of the Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion. “We also believe it will help break down the silos among various student groups and enable them to discuss possible collaborations.”

Diversity suite expanded

The diversity suite on the third floor of Armstrong was expanded to include a larger student lounge and a meeting room, study area and work area with computers. The suite is accessible to students whenever the building is open.

The spaces on both floors include a considerable amount of glass to allow for open visibility and natural light. These are two of the guiding concepts in the design of the Armstrong Student Center, according to Rick Russell, project architect/manager in physical facilities.

“The open concept was to encourage student visibility, promote interaction and create a sense of unity among the various functions housed in the building,” said Russell.

New location for Armstrong Student Center staff

The Armstrong Student Center staff moved from the lower level to the third-floor offices vacated by diversity affairs staff. This puts them closer to student organizations.

“Being located in the Center for Student Engagement and Leadership helps us be an effective resource for student organizations and makes us easier to find when we are needed,” said Katie Wilson, director of the Armstrong Student Center.