
Virtual Transfer University Visits
The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) strives to recruit and retain underrepresented students, English Language Learners, and undocumented students through completion of their academic goals. OMSA’s services are available to all students, but is a critical support system for African-American, Hispanic, Asian, and other diverse populations. OMSA provides direct student support services and coordinates programming to promote seamless integration into the college environment.
The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) provides outreach, academic guidance, personal support, cultural resources, and leadership opportunities to enhance the educational experience and facilitate the academic and personal growth of underrepresented students.
OMSA's vision is to increase enrollment and ensure optimal academic success, retention, and graduation of underrepresented groups. OMSA supports diversity initiatives to enhance the college community in creating a diverse, culturally inclusive environment.
The goals of OMSA are to:
The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs is located across from the bookstore in A-1108 in the Campus Center, Main Campus at 1215 Houbolt Rd, Joliet, IL 60431.
Hours of operation:
February is Black History Month! The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, along with several other groups, will host events open to students, staff, faculty and the community to honor and celebrate Black culture. Some events may require registration.
Through our Programs and Services, OMSA strives to provide an inclusive environment that achieves the following objectives: -Provide optimal academic advising to underrepresented groups in an effort to provide a clearer pathway to completion. -Increase access and opportunities for underrepresented students to pursue higher education. -Promote the development of academic, social, and leadership skills necessary for student success. -Facilitate the successful transfer to a four-year institution or successful transition into the workplace.
Michelle Roman-Garcia
Director, Multicultural Student Affairs
Phone: (815) 280-6680
E-mail: mroman@jjc.edu
Carolyn Powers
Assistant, Multicultural Student Affairs
Phone: (815) 280-6709
E-mail: cpowers@jjc.edu
Lee McCline
Multicultural Pathway Coach
Phone: (815) 280-2631
Email: lmccline@jjc.edu
Veronica Mascote
Multicultural Pathway Coach
Phone: (815) 280-2829
email: vmascote@jjc.edu
The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs provides outreach, academic guidance, cultural resources, and leadership opportunities to enhance the educational experience and facilitate the academic and personal growth of underrepresented students. OMSA is committed to creating a campus climate that is inclusive to all students. OMSA staff are knowledgeable in connecting undocumented students to valuable resources, scholarship information and personal support. Advising services are also available in Spanish.
"It is critical to reiterate that Joliet Junior College is an institution that is accessible to all, regardless of status." -Dr. Judy Mitchell, President, Joliet Junior College (9/6/2017)
Read the full version of Dr. Judy Mitchell's statement of support for DACA.
Advocates respect and inclusion for every individual and pledges to promote and recognize the diverse strengths of its employees and students, and to value and celebrate the unique attributes, characteristics, and perspectives of every individual.
On September 5, 2017, President Trump directed the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to phase out and eventually end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) over two and half years. This means that, as of September 5, 2017:
IMPORTANT: Individuals with a current, unexpired grant of DACA will continue to hold DACA until it expires. This means that current DACA recipients maintain their protection from deportation and work permit until their current expiration date. USCIS will not refer DACA recipients and applicants to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation unless they meet USCIS’ Notice to Appear guidance or post a risk to national security or public safety. Applicants with currently pending and processing applications should attend biometrics appointments and respond to any requests for additional evidence they receive from USCIS.
If you are eligible to renew under the above guidelines, you should do so immediately and file with enough time for your application to be delivered to and accepted by USCIS by October 5, 2017. Renewal applications must be accepted (and not just postmarked) by October 5, 2017 to ensure that your application is processed. For the latest information, please visit Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC).
Created in 2015, DALE is housed in the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA), this support group was created with undocumented student and allies, to provide a safe place to raise awareness of undocumented, immigrant student experiences, to connect students to resources and disseminate important scholarship information, and empower students to develop their leadership skills.
This workshop is offered to JJC faculty advisors and counselors to bring awareness about the challenges experienced by undocumented students at JJC. Offered by the Counseling Department and the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.
Founded in 2013, this task force primary function is to identify barriers to access and completion and establish equitable policies and procedures for undocumented students at Joliet Junior College. Members of this taskforce include the following areas: Admissions, Financial Aid, Registration, Department of Adult Education and Literacy, Workforce Development, Dean of Students, Dean of Enrollment Management, and the Vice-President of Student Development.
Joliet Jr. College upholds the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) to protect the privacy of all our students' educational records.
The Illinois TRUST Act recently extended protections for undocumented Illinois residents. This act prevents Illinois law enforcement agencies and officials from detaining an individual based solely on an "immigration hold." Also under this act, local police cannot stop, search, or arrest anyone based on their immigration or citizenship status.
High School Undocumented Pathway to College Workshops
Workshops are designed to assist high school undocumented students apply for admission and scholarships at Joliet Junior College. If you would like a workshop at your high school, please contact the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) at 815.280.6709
Dreaming for the Future Annual Scholarship Benefit
Established in 2013, this student-led annual event hosted by Joliet Junior College's Latinos Unidos Club in collaboration with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and Joliet Junior College Foundation, seeks to not only create an awareness of the plight of undocumented students, but also, raise funds for scholarships that are open to undocumented students.
Undocumented students are eligible to apply for JJC Scholarships available through the JJC Foundation. The scholarship application opens up in January with a deadline of May 1st every year. To apply, visit the Joliet/AwardSpring scholarships page.
Visit the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) to learn about upcoming Scholarship Seeker Series Workshops offered to undocumented students.
Scholarships created to support undocumented students at Joliet Jr. College:
To donate to these scholarships, please visit the JJC Giving page. Make sure in the comment section you write the name of the scholarship you would like to donate to. There are many ways you can contribute.
Two other wonderful guides that can assist you:
Undocumented and DACA students may be eligible to receive privately funded merit scholarships or grant aid. They are not eligible to receive state and federal financial aid.
If you have received a scholarship check from an external donor outside of Joliet Junior College, please bring the scholarship check to:
Main Campus; Room A-3027
Phone: 815.280.2721
The online Veterinary Medical Technology application will be available from Mar. 1 through June 1. The...