University Outreach and Engagement is composed of a number of coordinated departments. Each department targets a different segment of the mission and provides different services.
Download a visual representation of the relationship of the UOE departments to the VPUOE.
Vice Provost for University Outreach and Engagement
The office of the Vice Provost for University Outreach and Engagement (VPUOE) provides budget, personnel, and facilities management to the University Outreach and Engagement (UOE) departments. Kwesi Brookins, Vice Provost for University Outreach and Engagement, leads the office.
Office for Public Engagement and Scholarship
The Office for Public Engagement and Scholarship (OPES) advances MSU’s engagement mission by supporting faculty, staff, and students in their community-engaged research and creative activities, teaching, and service. OPES also contributes to the University’s reputation as a national and international leader in community engagement by ensuring that MSU is represented in critical organizations, contributing to the literature, and through other scholarly activities.
Center for Community and Economic Development
The Center for Community and Economic Development (CCED) is located in downtown Lansing, Michigan. CCED's mission is to create, disseminate, and apply knowledge to improve the quality of life for people in distressed urban and regional Michigan communities. CCED implements, evaluates, and disseminates innovative approaches through responsive engagement, strategic partnerships, and collaborative learning.
Center for Community Engaged Learning
In partnership with campus and community, the Center for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) advances community-engaged learning at Michigan State University and prepares students for lifelong civic and social responsibility in an increasingly diverse and complex global society. The Center offers seminars and workshops for faculty members, students, and community partners. In addition to supporting faculty members who teach community engaged learning courses, CCEL hosts partnership gatherings and reflection sessions. The Center also advises service-focused student groups and provides mentorship through scholar programs and service programs and events. In 2018, CCEL celebrated its 50thAnniversary, making it the oldest operating center of its type in the United States.
Communication and Information Technology
CIT offers outreach project consulting and development services in Web design, information systems, graphic design, publications, event management, and integrated communication to MSU faculty and their community partners. CIT also fosters public access to University expertise through programs like the MSU Science Festival and Michigan Science Olympiad State Tournament, and to information about university-wide outreach initiatives through Web sites like Spartan Youth Programs, Visit, Learn, Discover MSU, and Arts & Culture at MSU.
Gifted and Talented Education
Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) is dedicated to promoting differentiated educational programs for students in grade school, middle school and high school. GATE's mission is to provide educational experiences that benefit academically able students intellectually, cultivate social relationships, and encourage a global understanding of their world.
Julian Samora Research Institute
The Julian Samora Research Institute (JSRI) conducts research on different aspects of Latino communities, including social, economic, educational, and political issues. Its primary areas of research are gaps between service delivery systems and Latino community needs, health disparities, and Latino entrepreneurship. It transmits its findings to academic institutions, government officials, community leaders, and private sector executives; and provides technical expertise and support to Latino communities for the purpose of developing policy responses to local problems. JSRI is also committed to the development of Latino human capital, including leadership development, empowerment, and education.
Michigan State University Detroit Center
The Detroit Center is home to College of Education programs and Detroit internship headquarters; Community Music School Detroit classes, programs, and events; and offices for admissions, advancement, and governmental affairs.
Native American Institute
The Native American Institute (NAI) supports scholarship, programming, and research with practical applications in American Indian and Indigenous contexts. NAI supports campus and community collaboration and provides opportunities for faculty, staff, students, and the public to learn about issues facing American Indians and Indigenous peoples.
Office of College Access Initiatives
The Office of College Access Initiatives (OCAI) provides academic enrichment programs to high school students in the Lansing area in order to increase the number of youth from disadvantaged backgrounds who complete high school and enroll in post-secondary education. Programs also serve individuals who have dropped out of high school, to age 27, by encouraging them to re-enter the educational system and complete their education.
